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SPOTTED DEER 


BY ELMER R. GREGOR 


Western Indian Series 
WHITE OTTER 
THE WAR TRAIL 

Eastern Indian Series 
RUNNING FOX 
THE WHITE WOLF 
SPOTTED DEER 


D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
Publishers New York 


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PERHAPS SOME SHAWNEES ARE HIDING OVER THERE. 

[Page 195] 



SPOTTED DEER 


BY 

ELMER RUSSELL GREGOR 

i i 

AUTHOR OF “THE WHITE WOLF,” “THE 
WAR TRAIL,” “RUNNING FOX,” ETC. 



D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 
NEW YORK :: 1922 " LONDON 



XL 




COPYRIGHT, 1922, BY 

D. APPLETON AND COMPANY 


MR 1322 


PBINTED in THE UNITED STATES OP AMERICA, 


§)CI. A661040 


"H-<7 "V 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER PAGE 

I. The Cry of the Loon 1 

II. A Night of Anxiety 8 

III. Captured 17 

IV. A Wily Captive 27 

V. The Shawnee Camp 38 

VI. A Trying Ordeal 50 

VII. The Mystery Woman 68 

VIII. The Alarm 78 

IX. Away on the Search 88 

X. The Abandoned Canoe 100 

XI. A Council of War 115 

XII. On the Trail 125 

XIII. A Strange Ally 138 

XIV. Waiting and Watching 148 

XV. An Easy Victory 155 

XVI. A Daring Ruse 169 

XVII. Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom . . . 178 

XVIII. Shawnee Treachery 192 

XIX. Surrounded 207 

XX. A Timely Rescue ........ 224 



SPOTTED DEER 

CHAPTER I 

THE CRY OF THE LOON 

S POTTED DEER was returning to the 
Delaware village from a hunting expedi- 
tion. He was in high spirits for he had 
been most successful. His canoe contained the 
carcass of a fat young buck, a brace of geese 
and several grouse. Spotted Deer sang softly 
to himself. It was a simple song of thanks to 
Getanittowit, the Great One. 

Listen, Getanittowit, I am singing about you. 
Getanittowit has filled my canoe with meat. 
Getanittowit has made me a great hunter. 

O Getanittowit, I feel good about it. 

It was a glorious day in early autumn. The 
soft balmy air was perfumed with the invigor- 
ating fragrance of the pines. The water 
sparkled in the sunshine. A smoky blue haze 
hung between the hills. The forest blazed with 
color. Spotted Deer looked about him with de- 
light A red-tail hawk circled slowly above his 
1 


Spotted Deer 


head. A woodpecker drummed its challenge 
upon a dead pine. Spotted Deer smiled at the 
sound as he recalled an occasion when his friend 
Running Fox had used it as a signal to fool 
his foes. Lost in reverie, Spotted Deer ceased 
paddling to watch the great black and white 
woodpecker hammering noisily on a bleached 
limb of the pine. Having found no evidence of 
foes in the Delaware hunting grounds, the young 
warrior felt secure. 

“Hi, Papaches, you are making a big noise up 
there,’ ’ he laughed, as he shook his bow at the 
bird. 

The next moment he grew silent and alert. 
The call of Quiquingus, the loon, sounded some- 
where behind him. Spotted Deer looked 
anxiously up the river. There was something 
about the call which made him suspicious. He 
searched the water with great care, but saw 
nothing of the loon. He became uneasy. Sev- 
eral disturbing questions rose in his mind. Was 
the call false? Was it a signal from his foes? 
Had he been discovered? 

The latter possibility was alarming as he was 
more than a day’s journey from the Delaware 
camp. Spotted Deer was undecided as to just 
what he should do. Many moments passed while 
he watched anxiously for the loon. The wood- 
pecker had flown. The forest was silent. 

2 


The Cry of the Loon 


Spotted Deer hoped that the cry would be re- 
peated. When he failed to hear it, his sus- 
picions grew stronger. He wondered if some 
sharp-eyed scout were watching from the edge 
of the forest. The thought made him cautious. 
He paddled into the center of the river, where 
he was a long bow-shot from either shore. Then 
for a long time he waited and watched. How- 
ever, as he neither saw nor heard anything 
further of the loon, he finally determined to con- 
tinue on his way. 

Spotted Deer had gone only a short distance 
when the call was repeated. Stopping his canoe, 
he again searched the water. The mysterious 
cry seemed to have come from somewhere along 
the west shore of the river — the side on which 
he had seen the woodpecker. Spotted Deer ex- 
amined the shadows with infinite care, but his 
efforts were futile. The loon was nowhere in 
sight. His failure to discover it, and the sig- 
nificant fact that the call had been repeated 
when he started down the river, increased his 
uneasiness. He was almost convinced that the 
cry was counterfeit. Still he wished to be sure. 
He waited some time, watching for the conspicu- 
ous white breast of Quiquingus, the Laugher. 

“It is not Quiquingus, ” he declared, at last. 

Having decided that the call was an imita- 
tion, Spotted Deer wondered why the one who 
3 


Spotted Deer 

had made it had risked disclosing his hiding 
place. In a moment the truth flashed through 
his mind. He believed the call had been a signal 
to announce his approach to some one farther 
down the river. The thought caused him grave 
concern. He feared that he had blundered into 
a perilous predicament. 

‘ 4 1 must watch out, ’ ’ Spotted Deer murmured, 
uneasily. 

He permitted the canoe to drift slowly with 
the water while he meditated upon a plan of ac- 
tion. Feeling quite certain that he had encoun- 
tered a company of his foes, his chief concern 
was to learn if they had canoes. In that event, 
he believed he would be in considerable peril. 
If, however, his enemies were hunting through 
the woods on foot, he believed there was little to 
fear while he kept to the middle of the river. 

“I will go ahead,’ ’ he said. 

The sun had disappeared. Twilight had 
fallen upon the woods. Long black shadows 
swept over the water. The day was far spent. 
Spotted Deer watched closely along the edge of 
the timber. He knew that it would be easy to 
blunder past a canoe concealed in the shadows 
near the shore. Several times he was deceived 
by half-submerged trunks of fallen trees which 
in the baffling twilight resembled canoes. Then, 
as he paddled slowly around an abrupt turn in 
4 


The Cry of the Loon 


the river, he suddenly discovered two canoes 
crossing directly ahead of him. Each canoe con- 
tained two paddlers. They were a considerable 
distance away, but as Spotted Deer was ex- 
posed in the center of the river he had little 
doubt that he had been seen. The actions of 
the distant canoemen confirmed his fears. They 
had ceased paddling and were looking steadily 
toward him. In the meantime the Delaware had 
turned his canoe into a stretch of quiet water to 
avoid drifting toward the strangers. They 
showed no inclination to approach, and soon 
disappeared into the shadows along the west 
side of the river. 

Spotted Deer suspected a trap. He feared 
that other canoemen were concealed along the 
opposite side of the river. Under those circum- 
stances it seemed folly to venture ahead before 
darkness came to shield him. Then he sud- 
denly realized that it might be equally dangerous 
to loiter. He believed that other foes were 
somewhere behind him, and he feared that they 
had canoes. In that event they might sweep 
around the river at any moment and he would 
find himself trapped between his enemies. The 
thought was alarming. It roused him to action. 
He turned about and paddled slowly up the 
river. Keeping well within the shadows from 
the forest, he soon passed around the turn which 
5 


Spotted Deer 


hid him from his foes. At that moment the 
melancholy wail of Gokhos, the owl, sounded be- 
hind him. He knew at once that it was. a signal 
from the canoemen. 

“I am in danger,” Spotted Deer said, softly. 

He feared that the warriors whom he had dis- 
covered would follow him, and that other foes 
might come down the river in response to the 
signal. Aware of his peril, Spotted Deer ceased 
paddling and stared anxiously into the shadows. 
The sunset glow had faded from the sky. The 
forest was dark. Night was closing down. 
However, a narrow trail of daylight still lin- 
gered in the middle of the river. Spotted Deer 
looked upon it with misgiving. It was a barrier 
which he feared to cross. 

Then he again heard the cry of Gokhos, the 
owl. It still came from down the river, and 
seemed no nearer than it was before. Spotted 
Deer was perplexed. Had the canoemen failed 
to follow him? It seemed most unlikely. He 
became suspicious. Perhaps his foes were at- 
tempting some clever stratagem to quiet his 
fears. He wondered if the call had been sounded 
to mislead him into believing himself free from 
pursuit while his enemies approached cautiously 
through the shadows. He watched closely. He 
wondered why the signals brought no response. 
What had become of the concealed scout who had 
6 


The Cry of the ho on 


imitated the cry of the loon? Spotted Deer be- 
gan to think. Had he been deceived ? Had Qui- 
quingus himself uttered that cry ? Spotted Deer 
scoffed at the idea. He felt sure that he would 
have discovered the bird if it had been any- 
where within sight. 

“No, no, it was not Quiquingus,” he declared, 
emphatically. 

A moment afterward he heard the call of 
Gokhos repeated farther up the river. His sus- 
picions were confirmed. He realized that he 
was between his foes. 

“Quiquingus has changed to Gokhos,’ ’ he 
said, soberly. “I must be cautious.” 


CHAPTER n 


A NIGHT OF ANXIETY 

A S the signals were not repeated, Spotted 
Deer feared that his foes were approach- 
ing each other with the hope of trapping 
him between them. He realized that he must 
act quickly. For a moment only he studied his 
predicament. If he attempted to dash down the 
river, the odds were against him. He felt cer- 
tain that there werd two of his foes in each 
canoe, and he also knew that the weight of the 
game in his own canoe would be a serious handi- 
cap to his speed. It seemed folly, therefore, to 
attempt an open race for safety. Still, he knew 
that if he remained upon the water there would 
be little chance of avoiding his foes. There 
seemed but one thing to do, and that was to hide 
in the woods until the canoemen passed. He 
resolved to try the ruse. 

Night had fallen, and forest and river were 
cloaked in darkness. Aware that his foes might 
have come within bow-shot, Spotted Deer real- 
ized that each moment was precious. Turning 
8 


A Night of Anxiety 


toward the shore he maneuvered the canoe with 
rare skill. It glided forward as easily and si- 
lently as a drifting leaf until Spotted Deer 
stopped it at the edge of the bushes. He tested 
the depth of the water with his paddle. It was 
shallow. He waited a moment or so, listening 
for a warning of danger. All was still. Feel- 
ing secure, Spotted Deer stepped from the canoe 
and waded toward the shore. As he left the 
water, he again stopped to listen. He heard a 
splash a short distance below him. His heart 
beat wildly. He believed that his foes were close 
at hand. There seemed little chance of conceal- 
ing the canoe before they found him. He lis- 
tened in breathless suspense. In a few moments 
he heard another splash. This time it gave him 
relief. He had recognized it as the signal of 
Amoch, the beaver, slapping the water with his 
great broad tail. 

6 ‘ Amoch / 9 Spotted Deer murmured, softly. 

He moved cautiously along the edge of the 
woods until he found an opening in the under- 
growth. Then he drew the bow of the canoe 
from the water. Stooping, he seized the fore 
legs of the buck and dragged it from the canoe. 
It was a difficult task as the deer was heavy and 
Spotted Deer feared to make a sound. When 
the buck was safely on the ground, he drew the 
canoe into the bushes. Then he crouched behind 
9 


Spotted Deer 

it to watch and listen for the approach of his 
foes. 

If his enemies passed, Spotted Deer planned 
to launch his canoe and slip noiselessly down 
the river. However, he disliked to abandon the 
deer. It seemed like presenting it to his foes. 
The idea irritated him. For an instant he de- 
termined to take it. Then he suddenly realized 
the folly of placing himself at a disadvantage. 

“Perhaps they will not find it,” he told him- 
self, comfortingly. 

At that moment he heard a low, indistinct 
sound on the water. He listened. Long, anxious 
moments passed. The silence was unbroken. 
Spotted Deer wondered if he had been deceived. 
He waited in trying suspense to learn if his 
fears were real. 

“There is no one there,” he said, finally. 

Then the call of Gokhos, the owl, sounded di- 
rectly before his hiding place. It was low, and 
soft, and querulous, and he realized why it had 
seemed so far away when he heard it before. 
He listened anxiously for the sound of voices, 
but the signal was followed by silence. Spotted 
Deer watched eagerly for the canoe, but it was 
hidden in the darkness. He wondered if it had 
passed. He listened for the slightest clew, but 
heard nothing which would tell him what he 
wished to know. He waited impatiently for an 
10 


A Night of Anxiety 


answer to the call. Many moments passed be- 
fore he heard it. At last it echoed weirdly 
across the water. Spotted Deer tried to locate 
it. He decided that it came from the north. It 
convinced him that his foes were searching along 
both sides of the river. 

Spotted Deer tried to guess the identity of 
the mysterions canoemen. He believed that they 
were Mohawks. The thought filled him with 
alarm. It suggested disturbing possibilities. 
They might be scouts moving down the river to 
spy upon the Delaware camp. Perhaps a war 
party was following close behind them. The 
idea filled him with gloom. He knew that the 
unsuspecting Delawares were totally unpre- 
pared for an attack, and he feared to think what 
might happen if a strong force of Mohawks 
should suddenly appear before the village. The 
possibility roused him. His heart filled with a 
reckless resolve to help his people. He deter- 
mined to ignore his own peril, and slip away to 
warn the Delawares. 

“ Yes, yes, I must go,” Spotted Deer told him- 
self. 

He listened for further sounds from his foes. 
As he heard nothing to arouse his suspicions 
he determined to begin his perilous journey 
down the river. Aware that the slightest sound 
might betray him, he drew the canoe toward the 
11 


Spotted Deer 


water with infinite care. After he had gone a 
how-length he stopped to listen. All was qniet. 
Spotted Deer felt encouraged. Slowly, care- 
fully, a how-length at a time, he dragged the 
canoe to the river. When he reached the water 
he stopped and stared anxiously into the night. 
Then he stepped into the canoe, and pushed it 
from the shore. 

Once afloat, Spotted Deer believed that he 
would he safer in the center of the river. The 
signals had sounded near the shore, and he felt 
sure that his enemies would expect to find him 
hiding in the heavy shadows from the forest. 
The entire river was shrouded in darkness, and 
Spotted Deer was unahle to see more than a 
how-length heyond his canoe. He paddled 
slowly, moving his paddle through the water to 
avoid making the slightest sound. Realizing 
that at any moment he might collide with his 
foes, he was alert and ready for an emergency. 

Spotted Deer had gone several arrow flights 
when he suddenly heard voices. They were close 
hy. He stopped his canoe, and attempted to lo- 
cate the sounds. The talk had ceased. Spotted 
Deer wondered if his foes were as near as they 
had seemed. He knew that voices might be 
heard a long distance over water, and he real- 
ized that the sounds might have come from near 
the shore. He determined to make sure. His 
12 


A Night of Anxiety 


canoe drifted slowly with the water. He made 
no effort to stop it. It was an easy and noise- 
less way of slipping down he river. 

In a few moments Spotted Deer again caught 
the low, ominous murmur of subdued voices. 
This time he located the sounds. They seemed 
to be directly ahead of him. The discovery 
alarmed him. He stopped his canoe and turned 
abruptly from his course. Having performed 
the maneuver without a sound, Spotted Deer 
hoped to pass safely by his foes. He had taken 
only a few paddle strokes, however, when he 
discovered a long, black object squarely in his 
path. There was no time to turn. Throwing all 
his strength into a quick deep stroke of his pad- 
dle, Spotted Deer crashed bow foremost against 
the side of a canoe. It immediately capsized 
and spilled its astounded occupants into the 
river. By the time they rose from beneath the 
water, the wily young Delaware had disappeared 
into the night. 

Spotted Deer paddled furiously down the mid- 
dle of the river. His eyes twinkled merrily as he 
heard the angry shouts of the men in the water. 
They were calling wildly to their companions. 
Spotted Deer grew serious when he heard their 
appeals answered from various parts of the 
river. He suddenly realized that he had en- 
countered a strong force of his enemies. How- 
13 


Spotted Deer 


ever, having successfully eluded them he was 
hopeful of getting away. 

Then he heard the long, piercing shriek of 
Nianque, the lynx, some distance farther down 
the river. The cry had sounded perfectly 
natural, and still, under the circumstances, he 
mistrusted it. He ceased paddling and listened 
suspiciously. Precious moments passed. The 
call was not repeated. The cries and signals 
from his foes had stopped. An ominous hush 
had settled upon the forest. Spotted Deer 
feared it. He believed that the lynx cry had 
carried a warning. 

‘ ‘It is bad,” he whispered. 

Fearing to loiter, he moved cautiously down 
the river. He wondered if crafty scouts were 
waiting to intercept him. Could he escape them I 
The possibility of another collision with his mys- 
terious foes tried his courage. Still, he believed 
that his safest plan was to continue on his way. 
Night was his ally, and he hoped to pass safely 
in the darkness. He felt quite sure that his foes 
were close behind him. He feared that they 
would soon overtake him. The thought made him 
reckless. He resolved to continue down the river. 

Spotted Deer paddled desperately to keep 
ahead of his pursuers. He believed that they 
would separate and again attempt to trap him 
between them. The thought made him wary. 
14 


A Night of Anxiety 


He determined to keep in the center of the river, 
as he feared that his foes were on both sides of 
him. His one chance seemed to he to go ahead. 
He realized that even that course might bring 
him into contact with some lurking foe. The 
mysterious lynx cry still lingered in his mind. 
It depressed him. If it had been a signal, he felt 
almost certain that he would find his enemies 
waiting for him farther down the river. 

It was not long before Spotted Deer saw his 
suspicions confirmed. He was astounded to see 
the river ahead of him brightly illuminated. On 
each shore a great fire was blazing fiercely at 
the edge of the water. The light from the flames 
spread far out over the river. Spotted Deer 
realized that it would be impossible to pass 
without being seen. His heart filled with de- 
spair. He appeared to have run into a trap. 
There seemed to be slight chance of escape. He 
paddled wildly toward the shore. Sheltered by 
the darkness, he hoped to elude the foes who had 
pursued him down the river. He was within 
bow-shot of the woods when he heard the care- 
less splash of a paddle close behind him. Aware 
that he had been discovered, Spotted Deer made 
frantic efforts to reach the shore. An arrow 
hummed threateningly above his head. A mo- 
ment afterward he heard another arrow strike 
the water within bow-length of his canoe. He 
15 


Spotted Deer 


glanced uneasily over his shoulder. A grim, 
black shape swept out of the night. Then his 
canoe crashed against the shore. A piercing 
yell rang across the water. Seizing his wea- 
pons, Spotted Deer jumped from the canoe, and 
dashed into the woods. 


CHAPTER III 


CAPTURED 

H AVING gained the forest in safety, 
Spotted Deer stopped for a moment to 
listen. He heard signals passing along 
the river. Then a twig snapped dose beside 
him. He turned in alarm. At that instant some 
one sprang upon him and bore him to the 
ground. He struggled desperately, but the 
shouts of his unknown assailant soon brought 
assistance, and the young Delaware was speed- 
ily overcome. His arms were twisted behind 
him and securely bound, and then he was pulled 
to his feet and led toward the river. 

Spotted Deer was bewildered by the sudden- 
ness of the attack. It was some moments be- 
fore he fully realized what had happened. His 
first thought was to identify his captors. It was 
difficult to recognize them in the darkness. He 
listened closely to catch their talk. Having 
been a captive in the Mohawk camp, he was 
familiar with the Mohawk dialect. These mys- 
terious strangers, however, spoke a different 
17 


Spotted Deer 


tongue. It was evident that they were not Mo- 
hawks. Spotted Deer was astounded by the dis- 
covery. Into whose hands had he fallen ? He 
quickly guessed. 

“Shawnees,” he murmured. 

When they reached the river, Spotted Deer 
was led to a canoe. He seated himself without 
protest. It seemed folly to resist. There were 
three canoes along the shore. One belonged to 
Spotted Deer. Two stalwart paddlers entered 
the canoe with the Delaware. The warrior who 
seated himself in the stern placed his bow and 
several arrows close beside him. It was a sig- 
nificant warning which Spotted Deer under- 
stood. He saw several figures moving about 
at the edge of the water. It was impossible to 
count them. Then the canoe was pushed from 
shore, and Spotted Deer wondered what fate 
awaited him. He had little hope. 

As the Shawnees paddled swiftly toward the 
middle of the river, they raised a piercing cry 
that echoed threateningly through the night, and 
filled the Delaware with gloomy premonitions. 
It had barely died away before it was answered 
from various parts of the river. Then the cry 
of Manque, the lynx, again sounded through the 
darkness. A wild chorus of shouts immediately 
rose in reply. Spotted Deer looked down the 
river. The fires were still burning fiercely. He 
18 


Captured 


saw several figures moving about in the glow. 
He believed they were waiting for the canoes. 

The Shawnees met in the center of the river. 
Spotted Deer counted four canoes. Each held 
two paddlers. Two canoes were brought along- 
side of the one in which he sat, and the Shawnees 
peered curiously at him. He had little doubt 
that they were the warriors whom he had en- 
countered farther up the river. They exchanged 
a few words with his guards, but as Spotted 
Deer was unfamiliar with the Shawnee dialect 
he could not understand them. Then the canoes 
were turned toward the fire on the west shore 
of the river. 

As they moved slowly down the river the 
Shawnees began to sing. Spotted Deer felt 
sure it was a boastful recital of their recent ex- 
ploit. Then, as they drew nearer the fire, he 
saw a canoe crossing from the east side of the 
river. It, too, held two paddlers. They appar- 
ently were eager to be present when the captive 
was brought in, for they were paddling at top 
speed. 

When the canoes entered the illuminated 
stretch of water, Spotted Deer found an oppor- 
tunity to study his foes. He examined the war- 
rior in the stern of the canoe. Although appar- 
ently of middle age he appeared vigorous and 
active, and his deep chest and wide, sloping 
19 


Spotted Deer 


shoulders denoted endurance and strength. 
His face was stern and sullen, and his eyes 
flashed threateningly into the steady, unflinch- 
ing eyes of his captive. There was earth on his 
leggings and a long red scratch down his arm, 
and Spotted Deer believed he was the one with 
whom he had fought. There was something 
about him that suggested power, and the Dela- 
ware felt sure that he was a leader. 

In the meantime the other canoes had come 
nearer, and Spotted Deer saw the paddlers at 
close range. There were six. Four were young 
men, and the others were mature warriors who 
seemed about the age of the Shawnee who faced 
him in the canoe. While Spotted Deer was ex- 
amining his foes, they were equally occupied in 
staring at him. There were two in particular 
who glared fiercely into his face, and threatened 
him. He had little doubt that they were the 
warriors whom he had thrown into the river. 
As Spotted Deer turned his head, one of them 
struck him with the paddle. They laughed de- 
risively as the enraged Delaware faced them 
with flashing eyes. Angered by Spotted Deer’s 
boldness, the Shawnee again raised his paddle, 
but the warrior in the stem of the canoe spoke 
sharply and the blow was withheld. 

A few moments later the canoes reached the 
shore. Four Shawnees awaited them. As the 
20 


Captured 


warrior stepped from the how of the canoe the 
other Shawnee motioned for Spotted Deer to fol- 
low him. The Delaware was immediately sur- 
rounded by his foes. They crowded closely 
about him, jeering and threatening, and scowl- 
ing fiercely into his face. Spotted Deer showed 
no fear. He faced them with a calm courage 
that compelled respect. The Shawnees quickly 
realized that their youthful prisoner was a bold 
and seasoned warrior. 

The older of the two warriors who had shared 
the canoe with Spotted Deer seemed to be in 
authority. He appeared to be the leader of the 
company. He confronted Spotted Deer and 
studied him with great care. The others 
watched in silence. Spotted Deer took equal 
pains to examine his foe. Thus for some mo- 
ments captor and captive stared at each other. 
They offered a striking contrast — the Shawnee 
stalwart and mature, a seasoned veteran of the 
war trail ; the Delaware agile and youthful, and 
equally familiar with the privations and perils 
of the warrior. The same indomitable courage 
flashed in the eyes of both. Each saw it and 
realized its significance. Spotted Deer read 
cruelty and hatred in the glance of his captor. 
The Shawnee saw fearlessness and defiance in 
the eyes of his captive. 

At last the Shawnee turned and addressed his 
21 


Spotted Deer 


companions. His tone was sarcastic as he 
pointed toward the Delaware, and the Shawnees 
laughed mockingly. Spotted Deer felt the hot 
fighting blood surge to his brain. He was filled 
with sudden and intense hatred for this haughty 
foe who seemed to regard him with contempt. 
However, the wily young warrior was far too 
crafty to betray his feelings. Aware that the 
Shawnees would be quick to read the slightest 
trace of emotion, he feigned a stolid indiffer- 
ence that baffled them. 

Spotted Deer was led nearer the fire, and or- 
dered by signs to seat himself upon the ground. 
Two Shawnees sat beside him. They held toma- 
hawks and made it plain that they were eager 
for an opportunity to use them. The rest of the 
company stood a short distance off, staring at 
the fire. The leader seemed annoyed. Spotted 
Deer believed he was impatient with the men 
who had illuminated the river. At his com- 
mand two of his companions hastened into the 
woods. In a few moments they returned carry- 
ing long saplings with which they scattered the 
blazing logs and rolled them into the water. 

When the fire had been destroyed, the Shaw- 
nees carried a number of embers into the woods, 
and made a small fire behind the shelter of a 
large rock. The blaze on the opposite side of 
the river was left to burn out. Spotted Deer 
22 


Captured 


believed it was a clever maneuver to deceive any 
enemies who might happen to be in the vicinity. 

The night was well advanced, and the Shaw- 
nees made preparations to sleep. Spotted Deer 
watched them with interest. He wondered what 
they would do with him. For the moment, at 
least, there seemed little chance of escape, and 
still he realized that an unexpected opportunity 
might offer itself. His hope was destroyed 
when two of his foes came forward and bound 
his feet. Then the Shawnees gathered about 
him, and lay down to sleep. 

Spotted Deer was helpless and miserable. 
The Shawnees had taken his robe, and he suf- 
fered from the cold. The rawhide thongs with 
which he was bound cut into his wrists and 
ankles, and interfered with circulation. It was 
impossible to sleep. He stared gloomily at a 
star that twinkled through an opening in the 
dense black canopy of tree tops. His lips moved 
silently in a petition to Getanittowit, the Great 
One. 

Spotted Deer lay motionless until he felt sure 
that the Shawnees were asleep. Then he 
strained to loosen the thongs about his wrists. 
The effort only increased his agony. He waited 
a few moments, and then he tried to move his 
feet. The attempt was equally futile. He had 
been cruelly and skillfully bound, and he real- 
23 


Spotted Deer 


ized that it was folly to attempt to free himself. 

Aware that only daylight might bring relief, 
Spotted Deer longed for the night to pass. Each 
moment increased his suffering, but he bore it 
with the stolid fortitude which he had inherited 
from his people, and fixed his thoughts upon the 
Shawnees. There were twelve in the party and 
he believed that they were hunters. The thought 
gave him comfort. His fears for his people sub- 
sided. He believed that they were in little peril 
from the small company of Shawnees. In fact 
he was greatly astounded at their boldness in 
venturing so far into the Delaware hunting 
grounds. He was also perplexed to explain the 
canoes. The Shawnees lived along another large 
river a number of days* travel to the westward, 
and Spotted Deer could scarcely believe that 
they had carried the canoes through the wilder- 
ness. They were usually encountered hunting 
through the woods on foot whenever they ven- 
tured into Delaware territory. Spotted Deer 
thought about it for some time. Then an inter- 
esting possibility suddenly entered his mind. 
He believed that the Shawnees had come from 
the north, and it was possible that they had 
taken the canoes from the Mohawks. In that 
event he had little doubt that they would either 
destroy them or carry them to the Shawnee 
camp as trophies. Then another possibility 
24 


Captured 


suggested itself. Perhaps the crafty Shawnees 
would leave the canoes along the river to de- 
ceive the Delawares into believing that their 
hated foes, the Mohawks, had invaded the Dela- 
ware hunting grounds. The thought disturbed 
him. He feared that the stratagem might con- 
fuse his friends, and lead them on a false trail. 

At that moment his thoughts were diverted by 
the barking of a fox on the opposite side of the 
river. Spotted Deer listened closely. He won- 
dered if it was a signal. Had Delaware hunters 
discovered the fires f His heart bounded at the 
thought. The Shawnees had awakened. 
Spotted Deer heard them talking. He turned 
his head, and saw the warriors beside him sit- 
ting erect. They, too, apparently were listening. 
The silence continued some time. Then the 
quick, husky yaps of the fox again sounded 
across the river. The Shawnees were silent. 
Spotted Deer felt that they were watching him. 
He lay motionless. 

After the call had ceased, Spotted Deer heard 
some one passing in the darkness. He believed 
that scouts had gone to the river to watch. He 
feared that they might discover a company of 
Delawares. In that event he had little hope for 
his life. He felt sure the Shawnees would kill 
him as a precaution against being betrayed into 
the hands of their foes. He waited in trying 
25 


Spotted Deer 

suspense to learn the outcome of the reconnais- 
sance. 

It seemed a very long time before Spotted 
Deer finally heard sounds which led him to sus- 
pect that the scouts had returned. He believed 
they had learned something important. The 
Shawnees were talking excitedly. In a few 
moments they drew close about him. He won- 
dered if they had discovered his people, and in- 
tended to kill him. For an instant he had a 
reckless impulse to cry out and betray them. 
At that moment, however, one of the Shawnees 
stooped and released Spotted Deer’s ankles. 
The Delaware took hope. He decided to remain 
silent. Then he was lifted to his feet. For a 
moment he was unable to stand. A sharp com- 
mand from the leader of the company roused 
him to the effort. A moment afterward he was 
led away toward the west. 


CHAPTER IV 


A WILY CAPTIVE 

T HE Shawnees moved through the woods 
in silence. They had abandoned the ca- 
noes. Spotted Deer felt certain that they 
had been alarmed, and were making a stealthy 
retreat under cover of the night. He wondered 
if the Delawares had discovered them. The pos- 
sibility excited him. He began to form reckless 
plans for escaping if his people should overtake 
the Shawnees. 

Then he suddenly realized that it might have 
been the Mohawks who had been discovered 
along the river. In that event he believed he 
was in equal peril with his captors. Once 1 over- 
taken by those fierce foes from the north, 
Spotted Deer feared that the little company 
would be speedily annihilated. For him, how- 
ever, death would be preferable to falling into 
the hands of the Mohawks. Having escaped 
from their village, with his friend Running Fox 
who had carried away a priceless medicine 
trophy, and then killed their famous chief, 
27 


Spotted Deer 


Standing Wolf, Spotted Deer knew only too well 
the punishment that would he inflicted upon him. 
If, therefore, the Mohawks were on the trail of 
the Shawnees he was as eager as his captors to 
elude them. 

Spotted Deer traveled through the woods 
with great discomfort. Unable to use his arms, 
he was powerless to protect himself from con- 
tact with tree trunks and undergrowth. A guard 
led him through the darkness, but made no at- 
tempt to save him from the stinging blows from 
branches which were released by the warriors in 
advance. Several times Spotted Deer barely 
escaped having his eyes destroyed. Once he 
stumbled over a log and fell headlong into the 
undergrowth. His guard seized the opportunity 
to attack him. Eegaining his feet the hot-tem- 
pered young Delaware turned savagely upon 
his foe, but the Shawnee swept his hand to his 
knife-sheath and Spotted Deer realized the folly 
of resistance. At that instant he recognized his 
assailant as the leader of the company. The 
discovery increased his hatred for that arrogant 
foe. 

At daylight the Shawnees halted beside a 
stream. Spotted Deer counted them. There 
were only eight. He believed that the missing 
warriors had remained behind to watch their 
foes. He wondered if their comrades had 
28 


A Wily Captive 


stopped to wait for them. He finally decided 
that they expected the scouts to overtake them 
at that spot. 

As the Shawnees loitered beside the stream, 
they produced rations of dried meat, and ate 
heartily. One of the warriors beside him held 
a bone before Spotted Deer, and laughed con- 
temptuously. The Delaware ignored the taunt. 
He realized that a display of temper would only 
invite further affronts. The Shawnees were 
keeping a sharp watch upon him. Despite his 
helplessness they seemed to be suspicious and 
fearful that he might attempt to escape. 
Spotted Deer had hoped that, when darkness 
passed, they might free his arms, but they 
showed no intention of releasing him. He suf- 
fered intensely, but gave no sign. His agony 
was forgotten as he fixed his mind on plans for 
escape. 

Then, as he sat watching his captors, he sud- 
denly heard the notes of Gulukochsun, the wild 
turkey. The experienced young hunter instantly 
recognized the call as a counterfeit. He real- 
ized at once that it was a signal. The Shawnees 
showed interest. They listened in silence until 
the call was repeated. Then two warriors dis- 
appeared into the woods. Spotted Deer be- 
lieved they had gone to meet the scouts from the 
river. It was not long before the latter ap- 
29 


Spotted Deer 

peared. There were two. Four warriors still 
were missing. 

The scouts were engaged in conversation with 
the leader of the company. The Shawnees gath- 
ered about them to listen. One, however, re- 
mained beside the Delaware. His captors 
seemed determined to take every precaution 
against his escape. Spotted Deer would have 
given much to know what they were saying. His 
guard seemed equally curious. They talked in 
low tones, however, and the Shawnee appeared 
unable to catch their words. His face betrayed 
his impatience. He evidently disliked the task 
to which he had been assigned. He began to 
grumble threateningly at Spotted Deer. The 
latter treated him with scornful indifference. 

Spotted Deer felt certain that the scouts had 
brought word of considerable importance. The 
Shawnees gave unmistakable evidence of it. 
They were talking soberly and shaking their 
heads. Spotted Deer continued to watch them. 
He believed that enemies had been discovered 
along the river. Were they Delawares or Mo- 
hawks? The question caused him great sus- 
pense. If the Shawnees had stolen Mohawk ca- 
noes and left them at the river, he feared that 
his people would be deceived. In that event 
there seemed little hope for him. Having ex- 
perienced the discomforts and perils of captivity 
30 


A Wily Captive 


in the Mohawk camp, Spotted Deer feared that 
similar trials awaited him at the Shawnee vil- 
lage. For a moment the idea shook his nerve. 
Then he drove it from his mind with the assur- 
ance that his people would come to his aid in 
time to save him. 

In the meantime the Shawnees had ceased 
talking, and appeared ready to resume their 
journey. They showed no great haste, however, 
and Spotted Deer believed they had little fear 
of being overtaken. Their indifference made 
him doubt that they had encountered the Dela- 
wares. He was certain that the latter would 
never permit them to withdraw without a fight. 
It seemed probable, therefore, that the Mohawks 
had come down the river to recover the canoes. 
For a moment the thought filled him with fear 
for the safety of his people. Then he realized 
that a small force of Mohawk scouts would be 
unlikely to loiter near the stronghold of their 
foes. Spotted Deer believed that once in pos- 
session of their canoes they would lose little 
time in withdrawing from the Delaware hunt- 
ing grounds. 

As the Shawnees were crossing the stream the 
call of the wild gobbler again echoed through 
the woods. One of the scouts immediately re- 
plied. Then the Shawnees waited. In a few 
moments four warriors appeared. The company 
31 


Spotted Deer 


was now complete, and the leader gave the word 
to advance. Spotted Deer was placed between 
two warriors near the head of the party. He 
suffered greatly, for his arms were cramped 
and numb, and the rawhide had cut far into his 
swollen wrists. Pride, however, enabled him to 
conceal his agony from his foes. 

Toward the end of the day the Shawnees 
stopped at a spring in the bottom of a wooded 
ravine. It was evident that they planned to re- 
main there for the night. Spotted Deer grew 
weak at heart as he thought of the long hours of 
agony before him. It was gradually sapping 
his strength. His one fear was that he might 
collapse. The thought enraged him. He would 
rather die than appear weak before his foes. 

Just before dark, however, the Shawnee 
leader freed the wrists of his captive. Then he 
offered him a generous portion of dried meat. 
Spotted Deer was unable to take it. His arms 
were powerless. The Shawnee laughed cruelly 
at the plight of his foe. He threw the meat upon 
the ground, and walked away. Spotted Deer 
turned his back upon it. Then for some time he 
was unmolested. 

It was not long, however, before the Shawnees 
again bound his arms and feet. This time they 
drew the rawhide even tighter than before in 
the hope of forcing an appeal from the cour- 
32 


A Wily Captive 


ageous young captive. Spotted Deer remained 
silent. Only the threatening flash of his eyes 
gave warning of the fierce emotions raging in 
his heart. When his foes had rendered him 
powerless, he faced the Shawnee leader and 
laughed scornfully. 

As the Shawnees failed to make a fire, Spotted 
Deer believed that they feared pursuit. The 
thought kept him alert. He determined to be 
ready if his tribesmen should attempt to rescue 
him. When he was finally forced to lie down in 
the midst of his foes, he endured his discomfort 
with a calm fortitude that astonished them. 
The night was cold and frosty, and a piercing 
north wind swept through the ravine. The 
Shawnees wriggled far down into their robes. 
Spotted Deer, however, was without shelter. 
The cold soon overcame him. Violent chills 
swept through him. Sharp, darting pains 
passed along his limbs. It seemed as if his 
arms were being twisted from his body. Each 
moment intensified his agony. There was no 
way to obtain relief. The night seemed endless. 
He prayed to Getanittowit to send daylight. 

Then Spotted Deer heard something which 
roused him from his misery. Soft, stealthy 
footfalls sounded close at hand. He raised him- 
self to listen. At that moment an arm was 
thrown about his neck, and he was dragged to 
33 


Spotted Deer 


the ground. A hand was clapped across his 
mouth, and he felt a knee against his chest. 
Completely bewildered, Spotted Deer wondered 
what had happened. He heard the Shawnees 
whispering excitedly. He believed that they had 
been overtaken by their enemies, and feared that 
he would betray them. Had the Delawares 
come? Spotted Deer listened for the familiar 
war cry. He feared that it might be the signal 
for his death. The Shawnees had become silent. 
They were listening and watching to interpret 
the peril which seemed to threaten them. Many 
moments passed. The footfalls had ceased. 
Spotted Deer wondered if the Delawares were 
preparing to rush upon their foes. Then he 
realized that it might be the Mohawks. The 
possibility filled him with alarm. He was not 
afraid to die, but he weakened at the thought of 
falling into their hands. 

A moment afterward the suspense was ended. 
A loud, startled snort sounded through the dark- 
ness, and then something bounded away through 
the undergrowth. The Delaware and the Shaw- 
nees both understood. It was Achtu, the deer. 
The Shawnees laughed nervously. The warrior 
removed himself from Spotted Deer. There 
was no longer need for caution. The crisis had 
passed. 

At daylight the Shawnees freed Spotted 

34 


A Wily Captive 


Deer from his bonds. They gave unmistakable 
warning that an attempt to escape would end in 
death. The Delaware, however, was too miser- 
able to make the effort. It was a long time be- 
fore he could use either his arms or his legs. 
When he had somewhat recovered, the Shawnees 
gave him meat. He ate it, for he was weak and 
hungry. Besides, he wished to prolong the in- 
terval of freedom. Meanwhile he searched his 
brain for a way to outwit his foes. His predica- 
ment seemed hopeless. 

At sunrise the Shawnees resumed their way 
toward the west Spotted Deer was astounded 
when they left him the freedom of his arms. A 
great hope rose in his heart. He believed that 
he might be able to leave clews which would 
lead his friends to his rescue. The Shawnees 
had taken his weapons but had left his empty 
knife-sheath attached to his belt. Spotted Deer 
found an opportunity to free it without attract- 
ing the attention of his foes. A few moments 
later he dropped it beside the trail. He knew 
that if his friend Running Fox should find it, 
he would recognize it at once. Then as he ac- 
companied his captors through the woods he 
made every effort to leave a plain trail. Sev- 
eral times he appeared to stumble, and each 
time he cleverly overturned a stone with his 
foot and broke or bent the bush or limb which he 
35 


Spotted Deer 


had seized for support. His clumsiness brought 
angry protests from his guards but they appar- 
ently failed to detect the stratagem. Thus 
throughout the day the wily young Delaware 
left signs which he hoped his friends might 
eventually find and follow. 

That night the Shawnees seemed more bold. 
They made a fire, and appeared to be in high 
spirits. Spotted Deer believed that they were 
within a day’s journey of their village. He 
missed several warriors and he felt sure that 
they had gone ahead to announce their exploit 
in the Shawnee camp. The thought sobered and 
depressed him. After they had given him meat, 
the Shawnees again bound his wrists and feet. : 
However, they permitted him to lie close to the 
fire and the warmth gave him some comfort. 

The following day the Shawnees advanced 
through the woods with far less caution. They 
talked and laughed and sang, and it was evident 
that their recent anxiety had passed. Spotted 
Deer felt sure that they were approaching their 
village. The thought made him reckless. Al- 
though he was closely guarded, his arms were 
free, and he determined to seize the slightest 
opportunity for an attempt to escape. He be- 
lieved that his foes might grow less vigilant as 
they drew nearer the Shawnee camp, and he 
hoped to catch them off their guard. He be- 
36 


A Wily Captive 


came as alert and watchful as a lynx, ready at 
any moment to dash into the forest. Before he 
could act upon the reckless impulse, however, 
the Shawnees suddenly appeared to have 
guessed his intentions. They stopped him, and 
bound his arms behind his back. 

For an instant only, Spotted Deer betrayed 
his anger in his face. Then as his foes began 
to laugh and jeer he recovered himself. His 
heart, however, was heavy with despair. It 
seemed as if his last hope had vanished. He 
believed that his crafty captors had taken the 
precaution to render him powerless against the 
attacks which might be made upon him as he 
entered the Shawnee village. 


CHAPTER V 


THE SHAWNEE CAMP 

A T midday the Shawnees climbed to the top 
of a high pine-clad ridge, and Spotted 
Deer looked down upon a great river. 
Close beside it, on a grassy flat, was the Shaw- 
nee village. It was composed of many bark 
hnts, and inclosed on three sides by a high log 
stockade. The front was open to the river. 
As the Shawnees had stopped to rest, Spotted 
Deer had an opportunity to stndy the camp. 
He viewed it with stirring emotions. Once in- 
side the log barricade, he wondered what fate 
awaited him. He saw many people moving 
about at the edge of the village, and passing 
from lodge to lodge. Several canoes were on 
the river. Smoke rose from the camp. 

Then one of the Shawnees uttered a piercing 
whoop that echoed shrilly across the valley. It 
roused the camp. People ran from the lodges 
and assembled in the center of the village. 
Their upturned faces made it plain that they 
were gazing toward the top of the ridge. The 
38 


The Shawnee Camp 


heavy timber concealed the Shawnees and their 
captive. The Shawnee called again, and a great 
shout rose from the camp. Then the dogs 
barked furiously. 

The Shawnees began to descend toward the 
river. The western side of the ridge was steep 
and rough, and Spotted Deer was greatly handi- 
capped. He found it difficult to remain on his 
feet. The Shawnees were following a narrow, 
precipitous trail, and there were places where 
the free use of both arms was almost a neces- 
sity. The Shawnees, however, showed no con- 
cern for the safety of their captive. At a 
number of steep places, he lost his footing and 
slid several bow-lengths before he regained his 
balance. At other spots the trail shrank to a 
mere foothold across the face of precipitous 
ledges where a false step meant severe injury 
or even death. Spotted Deer astounded his cap- 
tors with his calm nerve and marvelous agility. 
More than once they expected to see him hesi- 
tate at some particularly perilous part of the 
trail. He never wavered, however, and made 
his way over places where the Shawnees were 
compelled to steady themselves with their 
hands. 

“The Delaware is like Tschinque, the moun- 
tain cat,” they told one another. 

When they finally emerged from the timber 

39 


Spotted Deer 


at the level of the river, they were instantly dis- 
covered from the camp. Their appearance 
threw the village into a commotion. The entire 
tribe seemed to have rushed out to see them. 
Men, women and children assembled beyond the 
stockade. They united their voices in a wild 
bedlam of sound that might have filled a less 
courageous captive with terror. Spotted Deer, 
however, showed no fear. His experience on 
the war trail, and his adventure in the Mohawk 
camp, had taught him what to expect in the un- 
fortunate circumstances in which he found him- 
self. He was prepared, therefore, to accept 
discomfort, torture and death with the unshake- 
able courage which his people demanded of their 
warriors. 

As his captors led him toward the village they 
began to sing, and Spotted Deer knew that they 
were giving a boastful recital of their exploit. 
In the meantime a company of men and boys 
were hurrying forward to meet them. They 
were followed by a large pack of dogs. The 
Shawnee leader stationed himself beside the 
captive. Spotted Deer was astonished when he 
was addressed in his own dialect. 

“ Delaware, we have brought you to our vil- 
lage,’ 9 the Shawnee told him. “Our people are 
waiting for you. They are very mad. Perhaps 
they will kill you.” 


40 


The Shawnee Camp 


Spotted Deer received the threat in silence. 
The Shawnee studied him closely. He was 
angered by the scornful smile of the Delaware. 

“Have my people frightened away your 
words?” he demanded, sarcastically. 

“ I see many dogs, * ’ replied Spotted Deer. ‘ ‘ A 
Delaware is not afraid of dogs.” 

For an instant the Shawnee seemed about to 
attack him, but at that moment they were sur- 
rounded by the company from the village. The 
Shawnees pushed and jostled wildly in their ef- 
forts to reach the prisoner. His captors, how- 
ever, held them off. The leader called out in 
commanding tones, and the Shawnees fell back. 
They seemed frantic with excitement, and 
Spotted Deer knew that they would show little 
mercy. 

As they moved toward the camp, some of the 
boys began to taunt and jeer and throw stones 
and sticks. The dogs, too, were snarling and 
snapping and skulking between the Shawnees to 
reach the stranger. One particularly ugly-look- 
ing brute rushed forward and attempted to 
fasten its fangs in Spotted Deer’s leg. He 
kicked savagely and it slunk away. 

Once at the edge of the camp, Spotted Deer 
was made the object of a vicious attack. His 
guards were swept aside, and men, women and 
children rushed upon him and began to beat 
41 


Spotted Deer 


him. For some moments he believed he would 
be killed. Then some one called out loudly from 
the village, and the attack suddenly ceased. 

Three warriors were walking slowly toward 
the crowd of Shawnees. It was evident at once 
that they were persons of importance. As they 
approached, Spotted Deer studied them with 
great interest. Two were robust men of middle 
age, and the third seemed considerably older. 
He wore a bearskin robe, and carried a toma- 
hawk. Spotted Deer believed he was the one 
who had called out. He wondered if it was the 
war chief of the Shawnees. 

As the three warriors advanced, the Shaw- 
nees separated to permit them to reach the pris- 
oner. Spotted Deer had been badly battered by 
his foes, and the Shawnees laughed indifferently 
as they saw the evidence of his punishment. 
There was a bold challenge in his glance, how- 
ever, that compelled their respect. It was ap- 
parent that the youthful warrior had little -fear 
of them. For some moments they studied him 
in silence. Then the oldest warrior turned and 
addressed the great company of Shawnees. 
When he ceased speaking, they entered the vil- 
lage. 

The Delaware was taken to the center of the 
camp. He presented a striking appearance as he 
walked between his guards with his head erect 
42 


The Shawnee Camp 

and his eyes flashing defiance at his jeering foes. 
He was led to a large bark lodge, and pushed 
through the doorway. 

Spotted Deer found himself in a good-sized 
room which was occupied by an old woman, who 
was busily engaged poking the embers of a small 
fire. His guards had followed him into the 
lodge, and at sight of the three intruders the 
old woman began to scold furiously. Then she 
suddenly noticed that Spotted Deer was a 
stranger. She rose, and tottered forward to 
look at him. In a moment she turned, and ques- 
tioned her tribesmen. When they replied, her 
aged face flamed with hate. She rushed at 
Spotted Deer like some horrible witch who was 
about to shrivel him with the heat of her wrath. 
Cackling fiendishly, she thrust her bony, talon- 
like hands at his eyes. He avoided her, and then 
sprang forward so menacingly that she drew 
back shrieking in terror. Then the Shawnees 
ordered her from the lodge. She turned at the 
doorway and shook her clenched hand at the 
captive. A moment afterward they heard her 
haranguing the crowd that had assembled out- 
side. Spotted Deer believed that she might 
prove to be a crafty and dangerous foe. 

In the meantime one of the Shawnees had mo- 
tioned for the prisoner to seat himself upon the 
wide platform of poles that extended along the 
43 


Spotted Deer 

side of the room. Then they bound his ankles, 
and withdrew. 

Left to himself, Spotted Deer began to study 
the lodge. It was similar in plan and structure 
to the Delaware lodges. The walls and roof 
were made of slabs of bark fitted between two 
rows of poles, and held in place by splints and 
ropes made of twisted strands of bark. Each 
slab was punctured at the ends and securely tied 
in position with bark fibers. The roof, which 
was somewhat arched, was braced with many 
small poles and had an opening in the center 
as an exit for the smoke from the camp fire. 
The lodge was about five bow-lengths wide and 
four bow-lengths long. A wide platform of 
poles extended along each side of the room. The 
floor was packed earth. There was a shallow fire 
pit in the center. The lodge was without fur- 
nishings, and appeared deserted. Spotted Deer 
wondered how the old woman had chanced to be 
there. As there was nothing to indicate that 
she had been cooking, he believed that she had 
entered the lodge to burn incense and conduct 
some mysterious medicine rite. The thought 
stirred his imagination. He realized that she 
might be one of the strange Medicine Women. 
In that event he feared that she might exert a 
powerful influence against him. 

His meditations were interrupted by a noisy 
44 


The Shawnee Camp 


commotion outside. He heard people talking ex- 
citedly before the entrance to the lodge. He 
wondered if the Shawnees were about to attack 
him. Then, above the confused clamor, he 
recognized the shrill cackling voice of the myste- 
rious old woman. It was evident that she was 
still talking against him. A few moments later 
he saw her peering into the lodge. Many faces 
appeared behind her. She pointed a long, 
crooked finger at Spotted Deer, and launched 
forth into a violent tirade. Her face wore a 
diabolical expression. She appeared beside her- 
self with rage. Spotted Deer believed she would 
lead the Shawnees into the lodge to kill him. 
He was at a loss to understand why the vicious 
old creature showed such animosity toward him. 
However, neither she nor the people with her 
attempted to enter the lodge. In a few moments 
they withdrew, and Spotted Deer heard them 
moving toward another part of the camp. 

He was left alone until the end of the day. 
Then the robe was raised from the doorway and 
several warriors entered the lodge. One was 
the haughty leader whom Spotted Deer had 
learned to hate. An old woman followed behind 
them. She carried a portion of roasted meat 
and a wooden bowl. For a moment Spotted 
Deer mistook her for the violent creature who 
had annoyed him. As she came nearer, he was 
45 


Spotted Deer 


relieved to learn that she was not that ill-tem- 
pered individual. She placed the meat and a 
howl of water beside him and hurried away. 
Then one of the warriors freed him. Spotted 
Deer again found his arms powerless. 

“Come, Delaware, eat some meat so that you 
will be strong when we come to kill you,” the 
Shawnee leader said, threateningly. 

“A Delaware is always strong,” Spotted Deer 
replied, boastfully. 

“Well, we will see about it,” laughed the 
Shawnee. “There is an old woman out there 
who is talking bad against you. She is a Mys- 
tery Woman. No one knows how she came here. 
She has been here a long time. She has done 
some big things. My people will listen to her 
words. She says the Delawares killed her peo- 
ple. Her heart is black against you. She wants 
to see you die. It is good.” 

Spotted Deer remained silent. The threat 
made little impression upon him. He had al- 
ready anticipated the fate which the Shawnee 
prophesied. 

“Well, how do you feel about it?” inquired 
the Shawnee. 

The Delaware refused to reply. He was en- 
deavoring to secure the meat and water before 
his foe became impatient and took them away. 
After several torturing attempts, he succeeded. 
46 


The Shawnee Camp 

The Shawnees jested laughingly. He knew they 
were rejoicing at his discomfort. He strove 
heroically to conceal it, but his arms were stiff 
and swollen and he found great difficulty in rais- 
ing the food to his mouth. 

( 6 You are a young man, but we will make you 
old,” laughed the Shawnee. “Your arms are 
already too weak to pull the bow. See how you 
shake ! Are you frightened f ’ * 

Sharp words rushed to the lips of Spotted 
Deer but he kept them back. He realized that 
an outburst of anger would invite a fresh attack 
from his foes. As he was completely in their 
power, he believed it would be folly to antago- 
nize them. He smothered the fierce emotions 
that raged in his heart, and remained calm. 
When he had eaten the meat the Shawnees bound 
his arms, and passed out of the lodge. 

Spotted Deer immediately began to think 
about the Mystery Woman. He wondered if she 
possessed the strange powers which the Dela- 
wares credited to the Medicine People. He had 
been taught to regard those mysterious people 
with superstitious fear. The thought that the 
strange old woman might be one of them caused 
him considerable uneasiness. Having incurred 
her hostility, he wondered if she would cast 
some evil spell upon him. The credulous young 
Delaware started at the possibility. 

47 


Spotted Deer 


As the long day finally came to an end, 
Spotted Deer wondered if he would be left un- 
guarded through the night. He heard people 
laughing and singing in various parts of the 
camp, and smelled the smoke from their fires. 
A narrow streak of light showed at the doorway 
of the lodge. He believed the Shawnees were 
eating the evening meal. A short time after- 
ward he heard the dogs snarling and fighting 
over the bones which had been thrown to them. 

Then some one went through the camp cry- 
ing out in a loud voice. Spotted Deer knew that 
it was a courier calling the people to assemble 
for some particular event. He heard them pass- 
ing the lodge. The streak of light at the side of 
the doorway grew wider. It was evident that a 
large fire had been lighted close by. He heard 
the crackle of the flames. Soon afterward some 
one began to speak. Spotted Deer listened 
closely. He felt quite certain that he recognized 
the voice of the Shawnee leader. He talked 
some time, and when he finished speaking, a 
great shout went up from the .company. His 
words seemed to have found approval. Spotted 
Deer wondered if he had been the subject of his 
discourse. Other speakers followed. Then, 
after a short interval of silence, the shrill voice 
of the Mystery Woman echoed through the 
camp. It filled Spotted Deer with a vague, su- 
48 


The Shawnee Camp 


perstitious fear. She spoke in a wild, hysterical 
manner, and it was not long before he heard 
sounds which led him to believe that she was 
rousing the Shawnees against him. When she 
finally subsided, the night rang with their 
shouts. Spotted Deer was filled with gloomy 
premonitions of impending disaster. 

When the tumult finally ceased, the night was 
far spent. Then some one entered the lodge. 
Spotted Deer stared anxiously toward the door- 
way. The impenetrable darkness concealed his 
visitor. The latter approached without making 
a sound. In a few moments Spotted Deer felt 
a hand upon his shoulder. It passed down his 
arm and stopped at his wrists. Having made 
sure that the binding was secure, his unseen foe 
then examined the thongs about his ankles. 
Then he withdrew as noiselessly as he had ap- 
proached. Spotted Deer wondered if he had 
gone out. Some time afterward he thought he 
heard a sigh near the doorway of the lodge. He 
believed some one was on guard. 


CHAPTER VI 


A TRYING ORDEAL 

A T dawn Spotted Deer looked anxiously 
about the lodge, hoping to see the myste- 
rious visitor who had entered during the 
night. He had disappeared. The Delaware was 
alone. 

The camp was astir with the usual daylight 
activities. Spotted Deer recognized familiar 
sounds. People were calling from the lodges. 
Children were running about in play. The 
women were breaking sticks for the tires. He 
heard the crackle of freshly kindled wood. 
Smoke drifted into the lodge. Soon afterward 
he smelled the tantalizing odor of roasting meat. 
It roused his appetite. He wondered if the 
Shawnees would bring food. 

It was not long before a warrior and an old 
woman entered the lodge. The warrior carried 
his tomahawk and the old woman brought meat 
and water. The Shawnee unbound the Dela- 
ware in grim silence. Then he motioned for the 
woman to place the meat and water beside the 
50 


A Trying Ordeal 


captive. He seated himself to wait while 
Spotted Deer ate. The old woman stood watch- 
ing him. The Shawnee pointed toward the door 
and she hurried out. 

It was some time before Spotted Deer could 
use his arms. The Shawnee showed no impa- 
tience. He seemed content to enjoy the discom- 
fort of his foe. He was a young man, not much 
older than the Delaware. His face was stern 
and cruel, and his eyes were bold and piercing. 
He was sinewy and well formed, and looked as 
if he might he a dangerous adversary. He 
waited silently until Spotted Deer had finished 
eating, and then he hound him. Then he called 
the old woman who came and took away the 
bowl. The Shawnee followed her from the 
lodge. 

As he was not further disturbed, Spotted Deer 
began to consider his chances. He wondered if 
the Shawnees intended to kill him. He had lit- 
tle doubt of it. The Mystery Woman wished 
to see him die, and the Shawnee leader had de- 
clared that his people would listen to her words. 
Spotted Deer had slight hope of being spared. 
He knew the hatred which the Shawnees had 
for the Delawares and he believed he would be 
made the victim of their vengeance. Still he 
had passed safely through many perilous days 
of captivity among the fierce Mohawks, and the 
51 


Spotted Deer 


thought gave him courage. If the Shawnee s de- 
layed his execution, he believed his friends might 
discover his plight in time to rescue him. He 
relied particularly upon his friend Running 
Fox, a famous young warrior who was the son 
of the great Delaware war chief, Black Panther. 
The lads had shared many perilous adventures 
and each had implicit confidence in the loyalty 
and ability of the other. Spotted Deer felt sure 
that, once alarmed at his absence, Running Fox 
would make desperate efforts to find him. If he 
finally learned of Spotted Deer’s predicament, 
the latter knew that nothing but death would 
prevent him from extricating him from his diffi- 
culty. 

“ Running Fox will come,” he assured him- 
self. 

Then he suddenly realized that, even if his 
friends should find his trail, they might arrive 
too late to save him. The thought sobered him. 
He feared that if the Shawnees planned to kill 
him they would carry out their intention with 
little delay. They, too, might anticipate an 
attempt by the Delawares to rescue him. He 
realized that the coming night might bring his 
death. For an instant the idea startled him. 
Then he drove it from his thoughts, and made 
an earnest appeal to Getanittowit, the Great 
One. 


52 


A Trying Ordeal 


Getanittowit, see what has happened to me ; 

See, Getanittowit, the Shawnees have caught me. 

Great Getanittowit, take pity on me. 

Getanittowit, tell my people about it ; 

Getanittowit, bring them here to help me. 

Great Getanittowit, take pity on me. 

He had barely finished his petition when the 
Shawnee leader entered the lodge. For some 
moments he stood before Spotted Deer in si- 
lence. He stared steadily into his eyes, and the 
Delaware met his glance without flinching. 
Then the Shawnee began to speak. 

“Delaware, I have come to tell yon that you 
must die,” he said. 

He paused to note the effect of his words. 
Spotted Deer showed no emotion. He waited 
calmly for the Shawnee to continue. It was 
some moments before the latter spoke. 

“Many bad things will happen to you,” he 
said, finally. “Pretty soon we will see if you 
are brave enough to go through with it. I do 
not believe you are brave enough to go through 
with it. You are a Delaware. When you see 
what the Shawnees are about to do to you I be- 
lieve you will cry like a woman. Then our 
young men will laugh at you.” 

The Shawnee again paused and looked search- 
ingly at the captive. Spotted Deer smiled 
scornfully. He showed no inclination to speak. 
53 


Spotted Deer 


His control amazed his foe. He had expected to 
rouse him into a violent ontbnrst of temper. 
He appeared baffled by Spotted Deer’s indiffer- 
ence. It annoyed him. His anger showed in his 
face. Having failed to intimidate the young 
Delaware, the Shawnee appeared to be in a di- 
lemma. Spotted Deer believed he had entered 
the lodge to carry ont some crafty plan. For 
some moments he maintained an awkward si- 
lence. The Delaware watched closely. He saw 
a swift, canning glance flash from the eyes of 
his foe. At that instant the Shawnee addressed 
him. 

“Well, young man, I see that yon are brave,” 
he said, less harshly. “It is good. Perhaps I 
will help yon. Bnt yon mnst do as I tell yon. 
Will yon listen to my words?” 

“Speak,” Spotted Deer said, coldly. 

“Yon are a Delaware,” resumed the Shaw- 
nee. “Your people are onr enemies. Onr ene- 
mies mnst die. If I do not help yon my people 
will surely kill yon. Yon are a young man. I 
believe yon are a brave warrior. It would be 
foolish to throw away your life. I will tell yon 
how yon may keep it. Yon mnst help me kill 
the great chief Black Panther. He is ” 

“Stop!” Spotted Deer cried, furiously. “I 
have closed my ears. Yon speak the tongue of 
my people, bnt yon talk like a Shawnee. The 
54 


A Trying Ordeal 


Shawnees are afraid of our great chief, Black 
Panther. It is good. They run to their lodges 
when they hear his voice. You wish to kill him 
but you are afraid. You ask me to help you. 
Shawnee, if my hands were loose I would pull 
you to pieces. I am a Delaware. A Delaware 
will die for his people. Go, Shawnee dog, and 
tell your brothers the words of Spotted Deer.” 

The Shawnee listened in dumbfounded amaze- 
ment as the enraged young Delaware defied him. 
As Spotted Deer finished speaking, however, his 
foe suddenly gave way to passion. Springing 
wildly upon the helpless captive, the Shawnee 
began to choke him. Spotted Deer was entirely 
at his mercy. The Shawnee seemed determined 
to kill him. He slowly increased the power of 
his grip, and Spotted Deer began to strangle. 
The Shawnee laughed fiercely as he stared upon 
the distorted features of his victim. Then, 
when the tortured Delaware finally began to 
lose consciousness, the Shawnee suddenly re- 
leased him. 

“No, I will not kill you,” he said. “It would 
be foolish. I will take you to my people. I will 
give them your words. Then you will see how 
the Shawnees kill their enemies.” 

He watched indifferently until he saw Spot- 
ted Deer recovering from the attack, and then 
be left the lodge. For some time afterward 
55 


Spotted Deer 


Spotted Deer gasped and choked in his efforts 
to recover his breath. Then he composed him- 
self to think. He feared that His bold defiance 
would cost him his life. He believed that the 
Shawnee had spared him to receive a worse fate 
from his tribesmen. Spotted Deer knew only 
too well the sort of vengeance the Shawnees 
would inflict upon him. 

“I am a Delaware — I must be brave , 9 ’ he kept 
telling himself. 

Spotted Deer abandoned hope. It was evi- 
dent that if his friends came, they would arrive 
too late to save him. He felt sure that the night 
would bring his death. He knew that the Shaw- 
nees would do their utmost to make him suffer, 
in the hope of breaking his spirit and making 
him die a weakling in their eyes. The thought 
roused his spirit. His eyes flashed excitedly, 
as he told himself that it was his duty to up- 
hold the honor of his people. The thought fired 
him with enthusiasm. He resolved to die as the 
Delawares would wish him to die. 

“The Shawnees will see a warrior,” he said, 
proudly. 

Then his thoughts turned to Running Fox. 
The lads had been inseparable companions and 
Spotted Deer grieved at the thought of leaving 
him. It was the first peril he had faced without 
the companionship of his friend. He took com- 
56 


t 


A Trying Ordeal 

fort, however, in the thought that Kunning Fox 
would avenge him. Spotted Deer was entirely 
familiar with the grim determination and 
dogged courage of that fiery-tempered young 
warrior, and he knew that the Shawnees would 
he made to pay dearly for what they were about 
to do. 

As the long day finally drew toward its end, 
Spotted Deer heard sounds which confirmed his 
fears. The village hummed with activity. It 
was evident that the Shawnees were preparing 
for some unusual event. He saw the glow from 
a great fire in the center of the village. The 
Shawnees were shouting and laughing and sing- 
ing their war songs. He heard them passing 
the lodge and calling to him as they went by. 
Then the robe was lifted from the doorway, and 
the diabolical old Mystery Woman peered into 
the lodge. She shook her finger at him and 
laughed shrilly. Her voice carried a threat of 
impending disaster, and Spotted Deer was re- 
lieved when she passed on. Other Shawnees 
drew aside the robe and looked into the lodge. 
Some stared in silence, others cried out threat- 
eningly. Then they, too, hurried away. 

A few moments afterward Spotted Deer heard 
some one talking loudly near the center of the 
camp. The Shawnees had become quiet. When 
the speaker finished, however, they raised their 
57 


Spotted Deer 


voices in a wild shout that carried a sinister 
warning to the helpless young captive. He real- 
ized that his ordeal was at hand. There was no 
way of escape. He was resigned. He turned 
to Getanittowit, the Great One, for strength to 
defy his foes and uphold the honor of his people. 

0 Getanittowit, I am about to die. 

See, Getanittowit, I am not afraid. 

Getanittowit, make me strong. 

Getanittowit, make me brave. 

Getanittowit, take pity on me. 

0 Getanittowit, help me. 

Soon afterward Spotted Deer heard some one 
approaching the lodge. He realized that the 
Shawnees were coming for him. He nerved 
himself to meet the emergency. The Shawnee 
leader and another warrior entered the lodge. 

i ‘ Delaware, we have come to take you to our 
people,’ ’ the leader told him. “You must get 
ready to die . 9 ’ 

Spotted Deer showed no emotion. He re- 
mained silent as the Shawnees unbound his 
feet. For some moments, however, he found it 
difficult to stand. The effort caused him great 
agony. The Shawnees were impatient. The 
leader seized him and pushed him forward. 

“Come, have we frightened you so that you 
cannot walk?” he asked, mockingly. 

58 


A Trying Ordeal 


Spotted Deer rallied at the challenge. He 
staggered unsteadily toward the doorway of the 
lodge. Fearing a trick, the Shawnees sprang 
after him. They seized him and led him out- 
side. 

The village was brightly illuminated by the 
glow from a large fire in the center of the camp. 
About it was gathered a great company of 
Shawnees. The appearance of the prisoner 
threw them into a frenzy of excitement. As he 
was led forward by his guards the Shawnees 
began to shout and laugh and shake their wea- 
pons. They made it plain that he might expect 
no mercy. 

Spotted Deer was bound to a heavy log that 
had been set up a short distance from the fire. 
Then the warrior who had interfered in the 
attack at the edge of the camp came toward 
him. He was accompanied by the leader of the 
scouts and several other warriors. The Shaw- 
nees suddenly grew quiet as these men ap- 
proached the captive. The oldest warrior ad- 
dressed Spotted Deer in the Delaware dialect. 

“You are a young man, but you are a Dela- 
ware,” he said. “The Delawares are our ene- 
mies. The Shawnees kill their enemies. You 
must die. You have spoken big words. Now 
we will see how brave you are.” 

59 


Spotted Deer 


He turned and spoke briefly to his tribesmen. 
A company of warriors came forward and 
formed a circle about the Delaware. They car- 
ried their weapons and were painted for war. 
The Shawnees greeted them with shouts of ap- 
proval. For a few moments they stood, glaring 
fiercely at the prisoner. Then they began to 
move slowly about the fire, stepping in time with 
the rhythm of a slow, mournful chant. 

It was a weird and fascinating scene: the 
great fire roaring and crackling and sending its 
sparks high up into the night ; the vast assem- 
blage of Shawnees with their fierce, eager faces, 
like wolves gathered about a stricken deer; the 
circle of half-naked warriors moving slowly 
about their foe in the prelude to the grim cere- 
mony that would follow. And, most interesting 
of all, the youthful prisoner, bound and helpless, 
waiting calmly for torture and death at the 
hands of his enemies. 

For some moments the dancers continued 
their slow, sinister parade about the captive. 
They made no attempt to attack him, but ap- 
peared to be endeavoring to impress him with 
their grim earnestness. The solemn, dirgelike 
chant was taken up by the entire company, and 
Spotted Deer believed that the Shawnees were 
singing the death song. Then one of the war- 
60 


A Trying Ordeal 


riors, who seemed to he a leader, suddenly 
straightened and raised a piercing yell that re- 
verberated wildly through the camp. It broke 
the solemnity of the ceremony and roused the 
dancers to action. 

A moment afterward they began capering 
frantically about Spotted Deer, shouting and 
jeering and flourishing their weapons. The 
Shawnee s urged them on with yells of approval, 
and the entire assemblage was soon in an up- 
roar. Once aroused, the dancers soon began to 
threaten and attack their prisoner. They swung 
their war clubs about his head, aimed their ar- 
rows at his heart and made close, dangerous 
passes with their knives. Some rushed forward 
and struck him in the face. 

Spotted Deer faced the ordeal without a 
tremor. His heart was tilled with a fierce re- 
solve to uphold the traditional courage of his 
people, and he was determined to remain strong 
to the end. He waited, therefore, with head 
erect and eyes flashing, for the punishment 
which he felt sure would soon be inflicted upon 
him. The Shawnees appeared to be rousing 
themselves into a fury. Encouraged by the 
shouts of the spectators, the dancers had thrown 
off restraint and abandoned themselves to the 
mad antics of the war dance. They made every 
effort to intimidate the unfortunate young war- 
61 


Spotted Deer 


rior who had fallen into their hands. Some 
rushed toward him and drove their tomahawks 
into the post close beside him. Others shot their 
arrows within a hand-width of his body. Sev- 
eral seized him by the scalp-lock and swept their 
knives about his head. Spotted Deer, however, 
showed no fear. 

Then above the tumult he suddenly heard the 
shrill, ominous laugh of the villainous old Mys- 
tery Woman. A moment afterward she tottered 
forward into the firelight, and pointed excitedly 
toward the captive. As she stood revealed in 
the lurid glow from the flames her appearance 
was startling. Her frail, bowed form was cov- 
ered with an old deerskin robe. Her white, un- 
kempt hair fell loosely about her shoulders. 
Her aged features were distorted in a fiendish 
grin, and her small, ferretlike eyes glowed 
threateningly from their deep cavities beneath 
her shaggy brows. She looked like an evil 
demon whom the fire had drawn from conceal- 
ment in the black depths of the night. The 
Shawnees watched her in silent, superstitious 
awe. Spotted Deer felt his courage falter as the 
fearsome old creature confronted him. 

In a few moments she turned and addressed 
the four warriors who stood apart from the rest 
of the Shawnees. As they made no attempt to 
stop her, Spotted Deer believed that they were 
62 


A Trying Ordeal 


eager to hear her words. He had little doubt 
that she was talking against him. When she 
finally finished her excited harangue, one of the 
warriors called to the dancers. They immedi- 
ately ceased their exertions and stood quietly in 
their places. Then the warrior whom Spotted 
Deer believed to be the Shawnee chief made a 
brief talk. The Shawnees seemed to approve 
his words. 

In a few moments Spotted Deer saw prepa- 
rations which enabled him to guess the sort of 
punishment which the Mystery Woman had sug- 
gested for him. The great company of Shaw- 
nees suddenly broke up, and the women and 
old men and some of the boys hurried to the 
lodges. The old Mystery Woman hobbled away, 
cackling gleefully. It was not long before 
Spotted Deer saw his suspicions confirmed. 
Those who had disappeared were returning with 
sticks and stout willow switches and small whips 
with rawhide lashes. They were laughing and 
calling out in joyful anticipation of their attack 
upon the prisoner. Behind them followed the 
Mystery Woman. She, too, carried a willow 
wand and Spotted Deer felt sure she would make 
savage use of it. 

In the meantime the warriors jeered and 
threatened but made no further attempts to in- 
63 


Spotted Deer 


jure him. Spotted Deer believed they were re- 
strained by the man whom he took for the war 
chief. The latter called out sharply whenever 
one of the younger warriors showed an inclina- 
tion to attack the captive, and each time his com- 
mand was obeyed. Spotted Deer realized, how- 
ever, that the respite was only temporary. He 
believed that his foes were simply delaying his 
torture and death to give the tierce old Mystery 
Woman an opportunity for vengeance. 

The women and old men and boys had formed 
in two long lines about two bow-lengths apart. 
They were singing and shouting and shaking 
their sticks at the captive. Then a warrior 
freed Spotted Deer from the stake. A moment 
afterward he was led forward to receive his 
punishment. Spotted Deer realized exactly 
what was about to happen. He knew that he 
would be compelled to make his way along the 
narrow lane between his foes who would beat 
him as he passed. As his arms were bound be- 
hind him he was powerless to defend himself 
against the attack. He realized that he might 
lessen his punishment by dashing wildly along 
the course, but his spirit rebelled at the thought. 
He feared that the maneuver would make him 
appear frightened and weak in the eyes of his 
foes. 

“Delaware, run!” cried the Shawnee leader, 

64 


A Trying Ordeal 


as he pushed Spotted Deer between the lines of 
excited Shawnees. 

Spotted Deer ignored the command. For an 
instant only he hesitated while he looked calmly 
along the rows of fierce, eager faces. One in 
particular stood ont in contrast with the others. 
It was the evil, grinning face of the old Mys- 
tery Woman who stood at the end of the line. 
As Spotted Deer began the perilous journey 
between the lines, he heard her shrill, harsh 
voice rising threateningly above the tumult. 

The Shawnees were astounded when the 
Delaware started forward at a slow walk. For 
an instant the unexpected maneuver baffled and 
confused them. They wondered if fear had sud- 
denly driven the power from his limbs. Having 
expected him to make a wild dash for the end of 
the lines they could think of nothing but fright 
as the reason for his strange action. They be- 
gan to laugh and jeer as they struck him about 
the head and shoulders with their whips. 

“Come, come, make the frightened Delaware 
run!” they cried. 

Then they suddenly realized the significance 
of his conduct. They saw that the Delaware was 
defying them. The realization drove them into 
a fury. Weak and aged arms grew strong with 
emotion, and Spotted Deer staggered beneath 
the violence of the attack. Some of the women 
65 


Spotted Deer 


jabbed viciously at bis eyes with their sticks. 
Some of the infuriated old men kicked savagely 
at his legs. The boys beat him with their fists. 
All struck him about the face and head with 
their sticks. By the time he had covered half 
of the course he was suffering from many cuts 
and bruises. It was evident that unless he has- 
tened, he was threatened with serious injury or 
even death. Still he refused to save himself by 
running. He preferred to die rather than give 
the Shawnees an opportunity to boast that a 
Delaware had run from their women and old 
men. 

When Spotted Deer finally reached the end of 
the course, he was attacked by the Mystery 
Woman. Throwing away her stick, she rushed 
upon him and thumped him about the body with 
her fists. Her frail old arms lacked strength, 
and her blows did little damage. Then, as sev- 
eral warriors seized the Delaware and prepared 
to take him away, the Mystery Woman drew a 
knife from her belt and attempted to reach the 
captive. The Shawnees intercepted her and led 
Spotted Deer away. 

He was greatly surprised when they took him 
to the lodge instead of the stake. The Shawnees 
followed close behind him, shouting wildly and 
threatening to overwhelm his guards and put 
him to death. He reached the lodge in safety, 
66 


A Trying Ordeal 


however, and was pushed through the doorway. 
Then he heard the warrior who seemed to be 
the chief talking to the people. Was he attempt- 
ing to pacify them? Spotted Deer listened 
anxiously. He heard the Shawnees moving 
away. He believed that for the moment at least 
he was safe. 


CHAPTER VII 


THE MYSTERY WOMAN 

W HEN the Shawnees had dispersed, two 
warriors entered the lodge. They 
hound Spotted Deer’s ankles, and then 
they seated themselves near the doorway. 
Spotted Deer believed they intended to remain 
on guard through the balance of the night. For 
some time he heard them talking. Then they 
became quiet. He wondered if they had gone 
out. The fire in the camp had died down. The 
lodge was dark. He was unable to see them. 
He listened anxiously to learn what he wished 
to know. Then, as he heard nothing to indicate 
that the guards were still in the lodge, he re- 
laxed upon the platform of poles and tried to 
sleep. It was useless. He had been severely 
beaten by the Shawnees, and his face and head 
ached and throbbed from the cuts and bruises. 
The lodge was cold and drafty, and as he was 
without a robe he began to shiver violently. 
Each moment increased his discomfort, and he 
wondered if the Shawnees had spared him to 
68 


The Mystery Woman 


prolong his agony. At last, however, exhaus- 
tion brought relief and he fell into a light, rest- 
less slumber. 

Then he suddenly awakened and sat up to 
listen. He heard soft, stealthy footfalls near 
the doorway. The lodge was dimly lighted by 
a narrow streak of moonlight that had entered 
through the smoke hole in the roof. Spotted 
Deer watched closely. In a few moments he 
saw some one enter the lodge. Then as the hud- 
dled figure hobbled toward him, he recognized 
the bowed form of the Mystery Woman. The 
discovery filled him with superstitious fear. He 
believed she had come to kill him. As she came 
closer he saw that she carried a bowl. He won- 
dered if it contained a strange medicine potion. 
Perhaps she planned to cast some evil spell upon 
him. The thought was alarming. 

The Mystery Woman came directly to him. 
For a moment or so she stared wildly into his 
face. Then she spoke. Spotted Deer could 
scarcely believe what he heard. She was ad- 
dressing him in the Delaware tongue. 

“My son, do not be afraid, I have come to 
help you,” she said. 

For some moments Spotted Deer looked at 
her in astonishment. Then he recovered him- 
self and sought to conceal his emotion. Her 
words had made him suspicious. He recalled 
69 


Spotted Deer 


the deceitful offer of the Shawnee leader. He 
feared that she, too, was attempting to deceive 
him with some clever bit of treachery. Perhaps 
she hoped to gain information about his people. 
He determined to he on his guard. 

In the meantime the Mystery Woman was 
watching him closely. Her face betrayed im- 
patience. It was evident that his silence an- 
noyed her. 

‘ ‘Have you no tongue ?” she asked, sharply. 

Spotted Deer still remained silent. He be- 
lieved that he was confronted by a crafty and 
dangerous foe, and he realized that he must be 
cautious. His inherited dread of the strange 
Medicine People made him doubly suspicious of 
the mysterious old creature who addressed him. 

“You say you are a Delaware,’ ’ she said, 
angrily. “I have spoken Delaware words. I 
see that you do not know them. I do not believe 
you are a Delaware.” 

There was something in her tone that con- 
veyed a warning. Spotted Deer suddenly real- 
ized that it might be fatal to rouse her anger. 
He believed that it would be wise to hear what 
she wished to say. He decided to speak. 

“A Delaware keeps his words for his 
friends,” he said. 

“Hi, now I see that you are one of my peo- 
ple,” the old woman whispered, excitedly. 

70 


The Mystery Woman 


Spotted Deer started at her words. For an 
instant they filled him with hope. Then he real- 
ized that the wily old Mystery Woman was at- 
tempting to deceive him and quiet his 
suspicions. He determined to match wits with 
her. 

“You are a Shawnee / 9 he said, contemptu- 
ously. 

She went close and glared fiercely into his 
face. Her expression startled him. Her fea- 
tures were quivering with emotion. Hate blazed 
from her eyes. Her breath came in quick, sob- 
bing gasps. She seemed to be struggling 
against the impulse to kill him. It was some 
time before she could speak. 

“Those are bad words / y she said, savagely. 
“I will shake them from my ears. I have come 
here to help you. There is little time. You 
must believe what I am about to tell you. Lis- 
ten, my son, to the words of a Delaware.” 

Spotted Deer was impressed. There was an 
earnestness in her tone that was convincing. 
Impulse urged him to believe her. Caution, 
however, kept him suspicious. He still feared 
treachery. 

“I will listen / ’ he told her. 

“It is good/’ declared the Mystery Woman. 
“Now I will try to help you.” 

She placed the bowl beside him and moved to 

71 


Spotted Deer 


the front of the lodge. She drew aside the robe 
and peered outside. In a few moments she re- 
turned to Spotted Deer. 

‘ ‘ There is no one there, ’ 9 she told him. ‘ ‘ The 
camp is still. Now I am going to do something 
good for you.” 

4 ‘If you are a Delaware, untie me and let me 
get away,” said Spotted Deer. 

“No, no, that would be foolish,” she declared. 
“If I untie you perhaps some one will come in 
and find out about it. Then both of us will be 
killed. Anyway you could not get away. The 
Shawnees are afraid that your people are com- 
ing to help you. Scouts are watching around 
the edge of the camp.” 

Spotted Deer continued silent. He was un- 
able to decide whether the old Mystery Woman 
was telling the truth or simply attempting to 
win his confidence. In either event he was eager 
to learn her plans. She had seated herself be- 
side him, and was dipping a piece of buckskin 
in the bowl. Spotted Deer watched her with 
considerable uneasiness. Then as she began to 
bathe his face and head, his suspicions suddenly 
vanished and a great hope entered his heart. 

“Come, old woman, if you are a Delaware tell 
me where you came from , 9 9 he said, eagerly. 

“I am a Minsi,” she said, quietly. 

“Those people are my brothers,” he told her. 

72 


The Mystery Woman 


“ I have been to their village. Your words are 
good. Tell me something more. ” 

i i Have yon seen the great chief Big Hawk, 
and Black Rabbit the mysterions Medicine Per- 
son !” she asked. 

“Yes, yes, I have talked with those people,’ ’ 
Spotted Deer assnred her, excitedly. 

“Have yon seen the great rock that stands 
behind the village 1 Have yon heard how Leap- 
ing Dog killed fonr bears!” 

“Yes, yes, I know about those things,” said 
Spotted Deer. 

“Well, then, I will tell yon that I am White 
Crane. Leaping Dog was my father.” 

“Woman, I believe yonr words,” Spotted 
Deer told her. “Now I know that yon are a 
Delaware. Tell me how yon come to be here.” 

“I cannot give yon many words,” she told 
him. “The night is almost gone. Pretty soon 
the Shawnees will begin to move aronnd. If 
they find me here it will be bad. I will talk 
fast. Yon mnst listen sharp.” 

“Friend, my ears are open,” said Spotted 
Deer. 

“My son, a long time ago I went into the hills 
with my mother to pick berries. We were qnite 
a ways from onr village. While we were pick- 
ing berries we heard a great shont behind ns. 
Then my mother seized me and began to run. 
73 


Spotted Deer 


We saw some warriors chasing us. Pretty soon 
they came up with us. I was frightened and I 
began to cry. One of those warriors seized me. 
My poor mother drew a small knife and plunged 
it into him. Then one of his friends knocked 
her on the head with his war club and she fell 
into the bushes. I never saw her again. 

“Those warriors took me a long ways. We 
traveled many days. I got very tired but I kept 
going. I did not know those people but I hated 
them because they had killed my mother. Well, 
my son, one night when they were sleeping I 
crawled away. The woods were very black and 
I was afraid, but I kept going. After a long 
time I heard a dog barking. That frightened 
me. I did not know what to do. Then I said, 
‘Perhaps there is a village over there. Perhaps 
some good people live there. Perhaps they will 
take pity on me and give me something to eat 
and a place to sleep in . 9 

“I went that way. Pretty soon I saw some 
lodges. I was greatly frightened. My legs be- 
gan to shake. I listened sharp. I did not hear 
any one. Then I went nearer. Pretty soon I 
entered the village. It was dark and still. I 
kept very quiet. Then I saw some little red 
lights from a fire. I went over and sat down 
in that place. 

“When the light came, an old woman came 
74 


The Mystery Woman 


out of a lodge and saw me. She began to talk 
very fast, but I did not know her words. Then 
she called her people. They came running from 
the lodges. When they saw me sitting by the 
fire, they did not know what to make of it. They 
were shaking their heads and talking and point- 
ing toward the sky. Then I knew that they took 
me for a Medicine Person. It made me feel 
good. I knew they would not harm me. 

i ‘My son, that is how I came here. I have 
been here a long, long time. Now I am an old 
woman. I have never talked our tongue. The 
Shawnees have never harmed me. They call me 
the Mystery Woman. They listen to my words. 
Getanittowit has helped me. I have done some 
big things. Perhaps I can save you.” 

“Who were those people who carried you 
away?” inquired Spotted Deer. 

“I believe they were Mohawks,” she told him. 
“I know those people came into our country 
before this thing happened to me.” 

As she ceased speaking, they heard something 
moving outside the lodge. They listened in 
breathless suspense. Then the old woman 
seized the bowl and hurried toward the door. 
Spotted Deer saw her draw aside the robe. He 
believed she was listening. Long, anxious mo- 
ments passed. He wondered if she had left him. 
Then he saw her. She was crouching in the 
75 


Spotted Deer 

doorway. In a few moments she rose and came 
to him. 

“It was a dog,” she said. 

Spotted Deer nodded nnderstandingly. 

“It is almost light,” she told him. “Pretty 
soon I must go away. But first I must tell you 
something. My son, when I saw you I asked 
about you. When I heard that you were a Dela- 
ware, my heart grew big for you. Then I fooled 
the Shawnees. You saw what I did. It was the 
only way to save you. They believe I wish to 
kill you. It is good. They will listen to my 
words. I will try to save you. It will be a hard 
thing to do. 

“Now I will tell you about it. The warrior 
who brought you here is Walking Bear. He is 
a great war leader. He is very mad at your 
people. He says the great chief Black Panther 
killed his brother. He says that he has killed 
many Delawares. He says that you must die. 
That old man who talked to you is Howling 
Wolf. He is a great Medicine Person. Now 
you know about those people.” 

“Who is the chief?” Spotted Deer asked, 
eagerly. 

“Big Dog is the chief.” 

“Where is he?” 

“He is away on the hunt. That is why the 
Shawnees did not kill you. I told them Red Dog 
76 


The Mystery Woman 


would be very mad about it. I told them they 
must wait until he comes. They listened to my 
words. That is how you come to be alive. But, 
my son, the Shawnees will surely kill you when 
Big Dog comes back.” 

“When will he come?” inquired Spotted 
Deer. 

“Before three suns pass,” the Mystery 
Woman said, solemnly. “If I do not get you 
away before that time you must prepare to die. 
I will try hard to save you. No matter what I 
do you must know that I am trying to help you. 
Now I am going away.” 

“You are a good friend,” Spotted Deer said, 
gratefully. “If I get away I will take you to 
your people.” 

“No, no, you must not try to do that,” she 
told him. “It would be useless. I am old and 
feeble. I cannot travel. I would hold you back. 
The Shawnees would catch us. You must go 
alon.e. I will stay here and die in the Shawnee 
village. If you get away you can tell my people 
about me . 9 9 

A moment later she hurried from the lodge. 
Spotted Deer realized that he had found a crafty 
ally. He wondered if she would be able to save 
him. He feared to hope. He knew that the 
Shawnee chief might return at any moment, and 
then the Mystery Woman would be powerless. 


CHAPTER Yin 


THE ALARM 

T HE long, silent night was slowly merging 
into dawn when the Delawares were sud- 
denly awakened by a piercing shout from 
the center of the camp. Thoroughly alarmed, 
they rushed from the lodges, weapons in hand, 
expecting to find themselves beset by foes. In- 
stead they found Dancing Owl, a young warrior 
who had left the village the previous day to 
hunt. 

“Well, young man, what has happened ?” in- 
quired Black Panther, the famous Delaware war 
chief. 

“The Mohawks are on the river,’ ’ Dancing 
Owl told him. 

The announcement threw the Delawares into 
a frenzy of excitement. They feared that their 
fierce foes from the north were about to attack 
the village. 

“Where are they?” Black Panther asked, 
anxiously. 


78 


The Alarm 


“I saw them a sun’s travel up the river,” de- 
clared Dancing Owl. 

The Delawares felt relieved. They realized 
that there was at least time to prepare for de- 
fense. They crowded eagerly about Dancing 
Owl and began to question him. Then Black 
Panther asked them to assemble at the council 
lodge to hear the words of Dancing Owl. 

“Come, Dancing Owl, tell us about this 
thing,” said Black Panther, when they had 
seated themselves. 

“Well, my friends, I hunted hard but I did not 
kill any game,” said Dancing Owl. “I kept 
going along the river until it got dark. Then 
I sat down to rest. Pretty soon I heard the cry 
of fierce Nianque, the lynx. I listened sharp. 
After a long time I heard it again. It was up 
the river. I went ahead. I went a long ways. 
Then I saw a great light. I heard some one 
shouting. That made me cautious. I waited a 
long time. Then I heard some more shouts. 
Then I went ahead very slow. I kept looking 
ahead. Pretty soon I saw two big fires. There 
was one on each side of the river. Then I 
stopped. I did not know what to make of it. 
I kept watching. Pretty soon I saw some war- 
riors moving around one of those fires. They 
were on the other side of the river. They were 
far off. I could not tell about them. Then they 
79 


Spotted Deer 


went away. Pretty soon some of them came 
hack. They knocked away the fire. Then I 
could not see them. 

4 ‘Well, my friends, I kept watching. I said, 
‘Those people will cross the water and knock 
away the other fire. I will creep up close and 
see who they are . 1 Then I went ahead. I was 
very cautious. The fire kept burning. I was 
looking for those people on the water. I did 
not see them. Then I heard Woakus, the fox. 
It was close ahead of me. It did not sound good. 
I listened sharp. Pretty soon I heard it again. 
Then I said, ‘ Some one is making that noise . 9 I 
kept watching the fire. It made a big light. I 
kept around the edge of it. Then I heard some 
one moving in the bushes. He was close. I got 
ready to fight. Then I saw that person at the 
edge of the light. He was a Mohawk. Then he 
went away. 

‘ ‘ I watched a long time. Then I heard the call 
of Gokhos, the owl. It was the call of the big 
night bird with the ears. I knew it was the 
Mohawks. It was on the other side of the water. 
Pretty soon I heard it again. It was on the side 
of the water where I was. I kept watching. 
The fire was going down. The light closed up. 
I went nearer. I heard some people talking. 
Pretty soon I saw five canoes. They came 
across the water. I saw two Mohawks in every 
80 


The Alarm 


one of those canoes. Then I saw another canoe. 
It was near the edge of the woods. Pretty soon 
two Mohawks got into it. Then they all paddled 
up the river. I waited a long time. Then the 
fire died ont. I heard a great shont. I was far 
up the river. I knew it was the Mohawks. Then 
I hurried away and came here. Now I have told 
you all I know about it.” 

The Delawares remained silent for some mo- 
ments after Dancing Owl had finished his story. 
It baffled them. They were at a loss to account 
for such unusual recklessness on the part of the 
Mohawks. They could scarcely believe that 
those crafty foes would dare to proclaim their 
presence so near the Delaware camp. They 
could think of no reason for the two great fires 
along the river. They feared it was part of 
some clever stratagem. 

“ Dancing Owl, I have listened to your 
words,” Black Panther said, finally. “This 
thing is mysterious. I cannot tell what to make 
of it. Now I am going to ask you something.” 

“I am listening,” Dancing Owl told him. 

“You came back along the river,” said Black 
Panther. “Your eyes are sharp. Did you see 
anything?” 

“No, I did not find any signs,” declared 
Dancing Owl. “I kept watching for the Mo- 
81 


Spotted Deer 


hawks but I did not see them. I believe they 
went the other way.” 

‘ ‘ Well, my friends, I cannot tell what to make 
of it,” acknowledged Black Panther. 4 ‘ Only a 
foolish person makes a big fire to tell his ene- 
mies where to find him. The Mohawks are not 
foolish. They are as sly as Woakus, the fox. 
I cannot tell why they made those big fires. It 
is mysterious. I believe something bad will 
come of it. Come, Sky Bog, you are a great 
Medicine Person, perhaps you can tell us about 
it.” 

Sky Bog, thei aged Belaware Medicine Man, 
rose to his feet in obedience to the command of 
his chief. He was a picturesque figure as he 
stood in the center of the great circle of Bela- 
wares who were looking questioningly into his 
face. He had wrapped himself in a heavy wolf- 
skin robe for protection from the sharp autumn 
air, and his white hair showed beneath the edges 
of a great beaver-skin cap. For some moments 
he faced his tribesmen in silence. Then he be- 
gan to speak. 

“My people, you have heard the words of 
Bancing Owl,” he said. “This thing he tells 
about is mysterious. I cannot make anything of 
those great fires. I will go away and think 
about it. Then perhaps I will tell you some- 
thing. ’ 9 


82 


The Alarm 


It was evident that the Delawares were dis- 
appointed. They had implicit faith in the abil- 
ity of the old Medicine Man, and they had hoped 
that he would be able to tell them the signifi- 
cance of the fires. However, as he, too, seemed 
perplexed and bewildered by the audacity of the 
Mohawks, the Delawares saw little chance of 
arriving at an early solution of the mystery. 

“My brothers, as we do not know why the 
Mohawks did this thing, and there is no use of 
talking about it like a lot of foolish old women,’ ’ 
Black Panther told them. “We know that the 
Mohawks were close to our village. Dancing 
Owl saw them. He says those Mohawks went 
up the river. Perhaps they will come back. We 
must keep a sharp watch. I believe they are 
trying to fool us. Perhaps they are scouts. 
Perhaps there is a big war party hiding in the 
woods. Perhaps the scouts made those fires to 
draw our warriors up the river. Then it would 
be easy for the war party to get into the camp. 
We must be cautious.’ ’ 

His words raised the suspicions of his tribes- 
men. They believed he had guessed the plans 
of their foes. The idea roused them. They be- 
gan to discuss the possibilities. Some of the 
younger and more impulsive warriors were 
eager to organize a war party and go out to 
83 


Spotted Deer 

search the woods. Most of the older men conn* 
seled against it. 

“No, it would be foolish to do that until we 
know about this thing,’ ’ said Yellow Wolf, a fa- 
mous veteran of the war trail. “We must send 
out scouts to find out if the Mohawks are in the 
woods. Then we will know what to do.” 

“Yes, yes, that is the best thing to do,” the 
Delawares told one another. 

There was one, however, who took no part in 
the discussion. He was Running Fox, the son 
of Black Panther, and the most famous of all 
the Delaware warriors. Although but a youth, 
his daring exploits had made him the idol of his 
people. Two years previous, accompanied by 
his friend Spotted Deer, he had gone to the 
Mohawk camp and successfully escaped with the 
great Mohawk medicine trophy. When the fa- 
mous Mohawk chief, Standing Wolf, led a great 
war company into the Delaware village to re- 
capture the token, Running Fox killed him, and 
drove the Mohawks from the camp. The fol- 
lowing year, he and Spotted Deer journeyed 
into the north and killed the mysterious White 
Wolf, which the Delawares believed brought 
famine and pestilence upon them. That achieve- 
ment convinced the Delawares that Running 
Fox had received the mysterious powers of a 
Medicine Person. In spite of his youth, there- 
84 


The Alarm 


fore, they looked upon him as one able to lead 
and counsel, and they were eager for his opinion 
concerning the Mohawks and their fires. 

“ Running Fox, Running Fox!” they cried. 

Running Fox rose in response to their cries. 
He was tall and sinewy, with an alert face and 
bold, flashing eyes. He possessed the quiet, 
forceful dignity of his father, and the Delawares 
looked upon him with pride and affection. 

“My friends, you have asked me to talk to 
you,” said Running Fox. “I have listened to 
the words of Dancing OwL I do not believe we 
* are in any danger. I do not believe those Mo- 
hawks will come any closer. I do not know what 
to make of those great fires. I am not thinking 
about them. I am thinking about my brother, 
Spotted Deer. I believe he is in great danger. 
My heart is heavy. Perhaps those Mohawks 
have carried him away. Perhaps they have 
killed him. It is bad. I do not like to talk 
about it.” 

As Running Fox finished speaking a gloomy 
silence fell upon the Delawares. His words had 
carried an ominous warning. The Delawares 
suddenly realized the peril which threatened 
Spotted Deer. He had left the village some 
days previous on a hunting expedition to a lake 
several day’s journey to the northward where 
he hoped to kill a bear. He had expected to .re- 
85 


Spotted Deer 


turn at the end of six days. The seventh day 
had just dawned. Spotted Deer had failed to 
arrive. The Mohawks were on the river. 
Startling possibilities flashed into the minds of 
the Delawares. 

“My son, what you say is true,” declared 
Black Panther. “I believe Spotted Deer is in 
danger. He has not come back. It is bad. If 
he does not come before this sun passes, we must 
go to find him.” 

“My father, I will not wait,” Running Fox 
told him. “Spotted Deer is my friend. We 
have done many big things together. If the 
Mohawks have caught him it would be foolish to 
wait. We must come up with them before they 
reach their village. If they take him to the 
camp he will surely be killed. I am going to 
find him.” 

“Yes, yes, it is the best thing to do,” agreed 
old Sky Dog, the Medicine Man. “I saw this 
thing in a dream. I did not wish to talk about 
it. Now I see what it meant. You must go, 
Running Fox. Do not lose any time. Keep 
going until you come in sight of the Mohawks. 
I believe you will fijid Spotted Deer.” 

Running Fox was immediately besieged by a 
host of eager volunteers who wished to accom- 
pany him. Most of the active warriors of the 
tribe desired to go. He found it hard to refuse 
86 


The Alarm 


them, for all wished to prove their loyalty for 
Spotted Deer. Dunning Fox realized, however, 
that a large company would be less likely to 
succeed than a few picked scouts moving swiftly 
on the trail. 

“My friends, I see that you all wish to help 
Spotted Deer,” he said. “It is good. It makes 
me feel big. But I must tell you that it would 
be foolish. Perhaps what Black Panther says is 
true. Perhaps many Mohawks are hiding in the 
woods. Most of you must stay behind to guard 
the village. A few of us will go to find Spotted 
Deer. I will be the leader. I will ask Dancing 
Owl, and Yellow Wolf, and Painted Hawk, and 
Crooked Foot, and Turning Eagle to go with 
me. It is enough. Now, my friends, go to your 
lodges and get ready to go away.” 

“Wait!” shouted old Sky Dog. “You are go- 
ing into great danger. If I do not help you, 
something bad may happen. You must all come 
to my lodge, and I will make a smoke to Geta- 
nittowit and ask him to help you.” 

“It is good,” said Dunning Fox. 


CHAPTER IX 


AWAY ON THE SEARCH 

W HEN the six scouts who were going to 
search for Spotted Deer assembled at 
the lodge of Sky Dog they found the 
old Medicine Man seated beside a small tire. 
He was tossing handfuls of dried sweet grass 
upon the embers, and droning a medicine song. 
For some moments he took no notice of the little 
company of warriors who stood at the entrance 
to the lodge, waiting for an invitation to enter. 
At last he looked up and saw them. 

‘ ‘ Come in,’ 5 he said, curtly. “Sit down here 
in front of me. No, no, do not come so close. 
Move back. There, that is good.” 

When they had obeyed his instructions he re- 
sumed the ceremony which they had inter- 
rupted. They watched with solemn interest 
while he continued to toss sweet grass upon the 
fire and chant the medicine song. 

Getanittowit, here is sweet smoke for you. 

I am making it to please you. 

Getanittowit, I hope you will feel good about it. 
Great Getanittowit, I hope you will help me. 


Away on the Search 


In a few moments Sky Dog rose and took the 
sacred medicine pipe from a tripod of poles at 
the rear of the lodge. He unwrapped it with 
great care and brought it to the fire. He filled 
the bowl with the inner bark of the red willow 
and lighted it with an ember. He puffed smoke 
toward the sky, the abode of Great Getanitto- 
wit ; toward the earth, the abode of the mysteri- 
ous Underneath People; toward the north, the 
east, the south and the west, the abodes of the 
Wind Makers. Then he puffed smoke over the 
six scouts. Then for many moments he sat with 
his eyes closed. 

The scouts were much impressed. They be- 
lieved that Sky Dog was counseling with the 
mysterious Medicine Beings. They watched him 
with superstitious fascination, fearing to speak 
or even move lest they might break the spell and 
incur the displeasure of Sky Dog and the pow- 
erful Medicine People. 

Punning Fox, however, was impatient. He 
realized that each moment was precious, and he 
was eager to be away on the trail of the Mo- 
hawks. His great fear was that they might 
reach their village before he could overtake 
them. He knew only too well the fate that 
awaited Spotted Deer in the Mohawk camp. He 
was greatly relieved when Sky Dog finally 
opened his eyes and spoke. 

89 


Spotted Deer 


“My brothers, I will help yon.” he said. “I 
have talked with the mysterious Medicine Peo- 
ple. It is good. I believe yon will find Spotted 
Deer. I have asked the Medicine People to make 
yon strong against the Mohawks.” 

He rose and went to the back of the lodge. 
In a few moments he returned with a bnekskin 
thong to which was tied a small charm or token. 
He fastened it abont the neck of Running Fox. 

“Running Fox, I am giving this to yon be- 
cause yon are the leader,” he said. “It is the 
claw of the mysterions Medicine Beaver. It will 
make yon brave. It will keep yon strong. It 
will make yon safe against your enemies. Xow, 
my friends, yon must go. When yon have gone 
I will do some other things to help yon. I be- 
lieve yon will do what yon are setting ont to do. 
I have spoken.” 

“Sky Dog, we have seen yon talking with the 
mysterions Medicine People,” R unnin g Fox 
told him. “Yon have asked them to help ns. 
It is good. It makes ns feel strong. Yon have 
fastened this Medicine Thing around my neck. 
Yon say it will help me. I will keep it. Xow 
we are going to find our brother Spotted Deer.” 

They immediately left the lodge. As they ap- 
peared in the village they were surrounded by 
a great company of friends who were eager to 
90 


Away on the Search 

warn and advise. Running Fox refused to 
loiter. 

“My friends, we cannot stop here to talk,” he 
told them. “If the Mohawks have carried off 
Spotted Deer we must travel fast to come up 
with them. There is little time. We must go.” 

A few moments later they left the village and 
went to the river. Then Running Fox explained 
his plans. 

“My brothers, you heard the words of Black 
Panther,” he said. “Perhaps there are many 
Mohawks hiding in the woods. We must be cau- 
tious. It would be foolish to take canoes. The 
Mohawks would surely see us. We must travel 
on foot. There is only one way to do this thing. 
Some of us must travel along the other side of 
the river. Some of us must go along this side. 
Then perhaps we will find some signs of Spotted 
Deer.” 

“It is good,” agreed Yellow Wolf. 

“I will ask Painted Hawk, and Turning Eagle 
and Crooked Foot to go across the river,” said 
Running Fox. “I will ask Yellow Wolf and 
Dancing Owl to stay on this side with me. Now, 
my friends, you must listen sharp to what I am 
about to tell you. In the day we will talk to each 
other with the call of Woakus, the fox. When it 
grows dark we will use the voice of Gokhos, the 
owl. If you make one call we will know where 
91 


Spotted Deer 


you are. If you make three calls we will know 
you have found signs of Spotted Deer. If you 
make the call end in the middle we will know you 
are in danger. If you hear us make those calls 
you will know about it. Come, we will g o.” 

“Who will take us across the river V’ inquired 
Painted Hawk. 

A number of volunteers offered to paddle the 
scouts across the water. When they were half- 
way across the river, Running Fox and his com- 
panions disappeared into the woods. 

“We must travel fast,” said Running Fox. 

It was a notable company. Dancing Owl and 
Turning Eagle were young warriors about the 
age of Running Fox. Both we.re noted for their 
courage and ability. Dancing Owl had killed a 
number of Mohawks and had been captured by 
the Shawnees. Turning Eagle was a famous 
scout. Yellow Wolf and Painted Hawk and 
Crooked Foot were seasoned veterans of the 
war trail. Each was the hero of many thrilling 
exploits. Running Fox had great confidence in 
the warriors whom he had chosen to accompany 
him. He believed that once on the trail of 
Spotted Deer, they would follow it into the Mo- 
hawk camp if it became necessary. 

Running Fox led the way along a familiar 
trail that followed the river toward the north. 
His anxiety for his friend made him impatient, 
92 


Away on the Search 


and he traveled at an exhausting pace. Danc- 
ing Owl and Yellow Wolf kept close behind him. 
At midday they found themselves a considerable 
distance from the Delaware village. Then they 
became more cautions. 

“Now we must watch sharp, ” said Running 
Fox. 

Aware that at any moment they might en- 
counter a Mohawk war party, they kept their 
eyes and ears alert to discover the slightest hint 
of danger. Their caution seemed useless, for 
they saw nothing to arouse their suspicions. 

“Those Mohawks must have gone up the 
river,’ ’ declared Dancing Owl. 

Running Fox remained silent. He found lit- 
tle comfort in the words of Dancing Owl. His 
mind was filled with gloomy premonitions con- 
cerning Spotted Deer. For the moment the 
fate of his friend was all that interested him. 
If the Mohawks had withdrawn from the Dela- 
ware hunting grounds he feared that they had 
taken Spotted Deer with them. Running Fox 
grew weak at the thought. It roused him to still 
greater efforts, and he almost ran along the 
trail in his eagerness to overtake his foes. 

At dark the Delawares stopped to rest. Then 
Running Fox attempted to locate his tribesmen 
on the other side of the river. Approaching 
close to the water, he gave the cry of Gokhos, 
93 


Spotted Deer 


the owl. They listened anxiously as it echoed 
through the woods. Many moments passed. 
There was no response. 

“Our brothers are far behind / 9 said Running 
Fox. 

The thought disturbed him. He had planned 
to continue traveling through the night in the 
hope of gaining upon the Mohawks. Still he dis- 
liked to go ahead without hearing from the 
scouts on the other side of the river. He 
waited impatiently. Then he repeated the sig- 
nal. Again it failed to bring an answer. Run- 
ning Fox grew uneasy. 

“It is mysterious, ” he told Yellow Wolf. “I 
do not know what to make of it. Perhaps some- 
thing bad has happened to our friends. Per- 
haps the Mohawks were hiding over there.” 

“No, I do not believe anything has happened 
to our brothers,” Yellow Wolf told him. “We 
came here very fast. We followed a trail. Our 
friends could not come so fast. It is hard go- 
ing on the other side of the river. They fell be- 
hind. I believe they will come.” 

“Well, Yellow Wolf, I see that what you say 
may be true,” said Running Fox. 

Then for some moments he remained silent. 
His mind was filled with disturbing possibilities. 
He found it difficult to come to a decision. He 
realized that each moment of delay lessened his 
94 


Away on the Search 


chance of overtaking the Mohawks. Still he 
wished to know what had happened to his 
friends. It seemed foolish to go ahead until he 
heard from them. It was possible that they 
might have encountered the Mohawks, or found 
Spotted Deer or some signs of him. Running 
Fox finally determined to wait. 

The three scouts had barely seated themselves 
at the edge of the woods when they heard the 
call of Gokhos a short distance farther down 
the river. Their spirits rose at the sound, for 
they realized that their friends were safe. 

“Our brothers have come,” said Dancing 
Owl. 

“It is good,” Running Fox replied, with much 
relief. 

A moment afterward he replied to the signal. 
There was no answer. He had not expected 
any. Having located him he knew that his 
tribesmen would continue along the river in si- 
lence. Too many signals might arouse the sus- 
picions of any foes who might be loitering in 
the vicinity. 

“Come, my brothers, we will go ahead,” said 
Running Fox. “When our friends come they 
will make the signal. When they do not hear 
anything they will know that we have gone. 
Then they will go ahead. We will keep going 
until we get to the place where the big fires 
95 


Spotted Deer 


were. Then we will stop and rest. When it 
gets light we will look around.” 

Banning Fox again led the way at a break- 
neck pace. The trail led through a dense black 
forest of towering pines and hemlocks, and the 
Delawares were unable to see a bow-length be- 
fore them. In spite of the darkness, however, 
they had little difficulty in keeping the trail. 
They followed its narrow winding course with 
the speed and certainty of Timmeau, the wolf. 
Day was close at hand when they finally ap- 
proached the spot where Dancing Owl had dis- 
covered the Mohawks. 

“We are coming to the place where I saw 
those fires,” he said. 

“Now you must go ahead,” Bunning Fox told 
him. 

Dancing Owl took the lead. They realized 
that they might be blundering into a trap, and 
they were as alert and cautious as W'oakus, the 
fox. Mauwallauwin, the great Hunting Moon, 
shed his light upon the river, and they kept a 
sharp watch for canoes. It was not long be- 
fore Dancing Owl stopped and pointed toward 
the water. 

“See, there is the place where I saw the fire,” 
he said. 

They stood at the edge of the woods and 
looked upon a wide, open stretch of beach that 
96 


Away on the Search 


intervened between tbe water and the forest. 
The place which Dancing Owl had indicated was 
several arrow-flights farther along the river. 
He was eager to approach it, but Running Fox 
counseled caution. 

“Wait,” he said. “Perhaps there is some 
one there. We will watch and listen.” 

“Your words are good,” declared Yellow 
Wolf. 

They waited some time, and then as they dis- 
covered nothing to arouse their fears they 
moved noiselessly toward the place where the 
fire had burned. They had gone less than a 
bow-shot, however, when Dancing Owl suddenly 
collided with a great black form that rose from 
the trail. There was an angry snarl, and two 
fierce eyes blazed from the darkness. 

“Machque !” cried Dancing Owl, as he sprang 
back and shot his arrow. 

A savage roar sounded through the night as 
the bear charged upon the astounded Dela- 
wares. It struck down Dancing Owl and then 
rushed at Running Fox. He shot his arrow and 
dodged nimbly around a tree. The next instant 
the enraged bear confronted Yellow Wolf. He, 
too, drove his arrow into it, and sprang from 
its path. Then it crashed away into the dark- 
ness. For some moments they heard it flounder- 
97 


Spotted Deer 


ing noisily through the undergrowth, and then 
the sounds ceased. 

“Hi, Machqne is mad,” laughed Running 
Fox, as he came from behind the tree. 

“I thought he was a Mohawk,” said Dancing 
Owl. 

“Did he tear you?” Yellow Wolf asked, 
anxiously. 

“No,” replied Dancing Owl. “He tried to 
strike me but I jumped away. Then he bumped 
into me and I fell down.” 

“Well, we all shot arrows into him,” said 
Yellow W olf . 4 4 1 believe he went over there and 
fell down dead.” 

4 4 Come, we will go over there and find out 
about it,” Dancing Owl proposed, impulsively. 

4 4 No, no, that would be foolish,” Running 
Fox told him. “Machque is sly. Perhaps he 
has gone away. Perhaps he is waiting to fool 
us. It is black under those big trees. We can- 
not see him. Perhaps he would kill us. I am 
not afraid but we have set out to find Spotted 
Deer. If we let Machque tear us we cannot 
help our brother. It will soon be light. Then 
we will find Machque.” 

4 4 Yes, Running Fox, I see that it is the best 
thing to do,” agreed Dancing Owl. 

“We must watch sharp. Perhaps Machque 
will come back,” said Yellow Wolf. 

98 


Away on the Search 

“Yes, we will keep quiet and watch,” Run- 
ning Fox told him. 

They seated themselves at the edge of the tim- 
ber to wait for daylight. Dancing Owl was al- 
most exhausted. Having traveled at top speed 
to reach the Delaware camp with news of the 
Mohawks, the return journey had been a severe 
test of his courage and endurance. He lay upon 
the ground and immediately fell into a heavy 
slumber. His comrades remained awake to 
watch. 


CHAPTER X 


THE ABANDONED CANOE 

A T dawn Running Fox and his companions 
made their way to the edge of the timber 
and looked anxiously along the river. A 
short bow-shot away they saw the charred logs 
and ashes from the fire. Then they looked 
across the water and saw the remnants from the 
other fire. For the moment, however, the Dela- 
wares took little interest. Their first thought 
was to look for the Mohawks. They watched 
some time, but saw nothing to indicate that their 
foes had loitered in the vicinity. Still, Run- 
ning Fox determined to take every precaution. 

“I believe the Mohawks have gone away,” he 
said, finally. “But we must not feel too sure 
about it. Perhaps they are hiding in the woods. 
Dancing Owl, you must keep watching. Come, 
Yellow Wolf, we will look for Machque. I be- 
lieve he is close by. If we find him we will get 
back our arrows.” 

“It is good,” said Yellow Wolf. 

100 


The Abandoned Canoe 

They left Dancing Owl concealed at the edge 
of the forest, and went to search for the bear. 
The trail was plain and easy to follow and red 
splashes on the leaves gave evidence that Mach- 
qne had been badly wounded. They had little 
doubt that he was already dead. Still they re- 
solved to take no chances, for they knew that if 
Machque was alive he might prove to be a dan- 
gerous foe. They advanced with great caution, 
watching closely for a sight of the bear. Then, 
within an arrow-flight, the trail suddenly came 
to an end at a great tangle of brush and fallen 
timber. 

“Look sharp ,’ 9 Running Fox cautioned. 
“Machque is in there.” 

They stopped and peered anxiously into the 
cover. It was dense and as twilight still lin- 
gered beneath the heavy stand of evergreens 
they were unable to discover the bear. Several 
times they thought they saw it, but they were 
deceived by stumps and shadows. They listened 
a long time, but heard nothing to give them a 
clew. 

“If Machque is in there, he must be dead,” 
Yellow Wolf said, at last. 

“Perhaps he crawled through that place and 
went out on the other side,” Running Fox told 
him. “We will circle around and find out about 
it.” 


101 


Spotted Deer 


“It is the best thing to do,” said Yellow Wolf. 

They separated and began to move cautiously 
around the tangle. They had taken only a few 
strides when they heard low, ominous growls 
coming from beneath a confused mass of roots 
and brush. They stopped and prepared to fight. 

* ‘ Look sharp, Machque is coming out!” Run- 
ning Fox cried, warningly. 

A moment afterward there was a sharp crack- 
ling of sticks and the wounded bear forced its 
way through the tangle. It emerged within a 
bow-length of Yellow Wolf. At sight of him it 
reared unsteadily upon its hind legs, and Yel- 
low Wolf drove his arrow into its chest. Roar- 
ing furiously, the bear dropped to its feet and 
turned to enter the cover. Yellow Wolf ran 
close up to it and drove another arrow behind 
its shoulder. Machque flashed about with the 
agility of a lynx and rushed wildly upon his foe. 
Yellow Wolf turned to run but tripped over a 
log and plunged headlong into the brush. At 
that moment Running Fox rushed recklessly 
upon the bear and struck it with his tomahawk. 
Machque wheeled to attack him, and then Yel- 
low Wolf jumped to his feet and shot an arrow. 
The bear collapsed. For some moments it con- 
tinued to struggle, and then it lay still. The 
Delawares looked at each other and smiled. 

“Machque is dead,” said Yellow Wolf. “He 
102 


The Abandoned Canoe 


was very strong and very tierce. Running Fox, 
you were brave. You kept Machque from tear- 
ing me. I will tell our people about it.” 

Having killed the bear, they had little inclina- 
tion to loiter. They left Machque where he had 
fallen and turned toward the river. They found 
Dancing Owl staring anxiously across the water. 
He heard them approaching and motioned for 
them to be cautious. Then he pointed mysteri- 
ously across the river. Running Fox and Yel- 
low Wolf feared to move. For some moments 
they stood motionless, searching the opposite 
shore. Then Dancing Owl signaled for them to 
advance. They sank to their hands and knees 
and crawled carefully through the undergrowth. 

‘‘What do you see?” Running Fox inquired 
in a cautious whisper. 

“I saw something moving through the 
bushes, ’ ’ Dancing Owl told him. “ I do not know 
what it is.” 

“Where was it?” asked Yellow Wolf. 

“Over there near that white tree,” said Danc- 
ing Owl. 

They fixed their eyes on a large white birch 
at the edge of the woods. It was close by the 
place where the fire had been. They wondered 
if crafty Mohawk scouts were lingering in the 
vicinity. They watched anxiously, but the mys- 
terious object failed to appear. 

103 


Spotted Deer 

“Did it look like a warrior?” inquired Run- 
ning Fox. 

“I do not know,” replied Dancing Owl. “I 
saw some bushes move. Then something 
passed. It went fast. It was behind the bushes. 
I could not see what it was.” 

“Perhaps our brothers are over there,” sug- 
gested Yellow Wolf. 

Running Fox remained silent. A still more 
interesting possibility had entered his mind. 

“Perhaps it was Spotted Deer,” he said. 

“Yes, yes, perhaps it was Spotted Deer,” 
Dancing Owl said, eagerly. “Come, give the 
signal and we will see what comes of it.” 

“That would be bad,” Running Fox warned 
him. “If the Mohawks are over there we must 
keep quiet and watch. If it is Spotted Deer our 
brothers will meet him. Then they will call 
us.” 

A moment later they heard the call of 
Woakus, the fox, a short distance farther down 
the river. They listened in breathless suspense. 
Two stirring possibilities instantly flashed 
across their minds. Had their friends met 
Spotted Deer? Were they about to call them? 
The signal, however, was not repeated. They 
turned to one another in alarm. Aware that 
their tribesmen were advancing along the oppo- 
104 


The Abandoned Canoe 


site side of the river, they feared that they 
might he blundering into an ambush. 

“It is bad,” Yellow Wolf whispered, uneas- 
ily. “We do not know who is over there. If 
the Mohawks are hiding in that place they will 
catch our brothers. We must warn them.” 

“Yes, yes, make the signal,” Dancing Owl 
said, anxiously. 

“Wait,” cautioned Running Fox. “I have 
found out who is over there. Look sharp near 
that crooked tree. See, there is Achtu, the 
deer.” 

A moment afterward they saw the buck stand- 
ing at the edge of the timber. It had raised its 
head and was looking down the river. They 
believed it had caught the danger scent. An 
instant later it vanished into the shadows. 

“Achtu has run away,” said Running Fox. 
“Our brothers must be close.” 

Then he replied to the signal. In a few mo- 
ments an answer came from across the river. 
Painted Hawk and his companions were almost 
at the place where the fire had been lighted. 

“Our friends have come up with us — it is 
good,” said Running Fox. “They will keep 
watching over there. Now we will go and look 
around that place where the fire was.” 

They spent some time scouting about in the 
vicinity of the spot where the fire had been. 
105 


Spotted Deer 


They found several tracks near the ashes from 
the tire, and the mark of a canoe at the edge of 
the water. As the clews were of little impor- 
tance Eunning Fox was eager to hurry away on 
the trail of the Mohawks. 

“See, our friends are over there , 5 5 Yellow 
Wolf said, suddenly. 

They saw two of their comrades searching 
along the opposite shore. Eunning Fox quickly 
identified them as Painted Hawk and Crooked 
Foot. He had little doubt that Turning Eagle 
was on guard at the edge of the woods. Eun- 
ning Fox stood at the edge of the water and 
waved his arms. When he had attracted the at- 
tention of his tribesmen, he pointed toward the 
north and made it plain that he was about to 
continue along the river. Then Painted Hawk 
pointed to the woods behind him and swept his 
arm in a short circle. 

i i Our brothers are going to move around over 
there to look for something , 55 Eunning Fox told 
his companions. “Perhaps they have found a 
sign . 55 

“See, they are telling us to wait here , 55 Danc- 
ing Owl cried, excitedly. 

Painted Hawk had pointed across the water 
and then seated himself. In a few moments he 
rose and again swept his arm toward the woods. 

106 


The Abandoned Canoe 


Then he appeared to be waiting for a signal 
from his friends. 

“I am going ahead,’ ’ said Running Fox. 
“ Yellow Wolf, I will ask you to go with me. 
Dancing Owl, you must stay here and wait for 
a signal from Painted Hawk.” 

Dancing Owl walked from the timber and 
seated himself near the water. Running Fox 
pointed toward him. Then he pointed toward 
Yellow Wolf and himself and then up the river. 
Painted Hawk seemed to understand. A mo- 
ment afterward he and Crooked Foot disap- 
peared into the timber. 

“Dancing Owl, you must hide in the woods 
and wait,” said Running Fox. “Come, Yellow 
Wolf, we will go.” 

At that instant Dancing Owl was looking 
sharply along the shore. Then he pointed ex- 
citedly toward a bowlder that rose above the 
water, a short distance away. 

“I saw something go behind that rock,” he 
said. 

Running Fox and Yellow Wolf turned in 
alarm. The next moment they saw something 
drifting slowly past the bowlder. The three 
Delawares stared at it in amazement. They had 
suddenly recognized it as a paddle. The dis- 
covery roused their suspicions. They feared 
that a canoe was somewhere near. 

107 


Spotted Deer 

“Come, jump into the bushes !” cried Run- 
ning Fox. 

They hid themselves and looked anxiously up 
the river. The paddle was near the shore and 
appeared to be drifting still nearer. They 
watched it in trying suspense. They longed to 
secure it, but still they feared to make the at- 
tempt. 

“Perhaps the Mohawks saw us,” said Yel- 
low Wolf. “Perhaps they threw that paddle 
into the water to fool us. If we try to get it we 
may be killed.” 

“Yes, I believe it is a trick,” Dancing Owl 
said, suspiciously. 

Running Fox kept silent. He was staring at 
the paddle with eager, fascinated eyes. He had 
suddenly resolved to secure it. 

“Keep watching,” he cried, as he ran to- 
ward the river. 

He waded into the water and when it rose to 
his waist, he reached out and drew the paddle 
toward him with his bow. As he lifted the pad- 
dle from the water he cried out in astonishment. 
Then he hurried to the shore and ran to his 
companions. 

“See, see, this paddle belongs to Spotted 
Deer!” he told them, excitedly. “Here is his 
mark.” 

They instantly recognized the design which 
108 


The Abandoned Canoe 


had been cut into the blade. For some time they 
stared at it in silence. They were trying to 
gness how the paddle had chanced to drift into 
their hands. 

“It is bad,” Running Fox said, finally. 

His companions kept silent. They had little 
donbt that ill fortune of some sort had befallen 
Spotted Deer, and their minds were filled with 
gloomy premonitions. The finding of the pad- 
dle made them almost certain that Spotted Deer 
had been either captured or killed by the Mo- 
hawks. Running Fox was crushed by the possi- 
bility. For some moments he appeared unable 
to rouse himself. Then he suddenly turned to- 
ward the river and imitated the cry of Woakus, 
the fox. Three times he sent the call across the 
water to tell his friends that he had found signs 
of Spotted Deer. 

“Come, Yellow Wolf, wq will go ahead and 
try to find out about this thing,” he said. 
“Dancing Owl, you must stay here.” 

“I will wait,” Dancing Owl told him. 

Suspicious and fearful of running into a trap, 
the two Delawares moved along the river with 
great caution. They kept close to the water, 
hoping to find further clews to the fate of 
Spotted Deer. They had gone a considerable 
distance when they finally discovered something 
which caused them to stop and exclaim in alarm. 
109 


Spotted Deer 


An overturned canoe had lodged in a mass of 
driftwood a short distance from the shore. The 
canoe was of Delaware design, and they knew 
at once that it belonged to their missing tribes- 
man. They gazed upon it in silent dismay. 
Each was unwilling to express the fear which 
had entered his mind. Running Fox again gave 
the signal which told his friends that he had 
found further signs of Spotted Deer. Soon 
afterward Dancing Owl came to join them. 

“My brothers, something bad has happened 
to Spotted Deer,” he said, solemnly, as he saw 
the canoe. 

Running Fox stared wildly into his face. His 
misery showed in his eyes, and his companions 
looked upon him with pity. Two alarming pos- 
sibilities confronted them. They believed that 
Spotted Deer had either been overtaken and 
killed by the Mohawks or had overturned his 
canoe and perished in the river in a desperate 
effort to escape. 

“Iam going out to get that canoe,” Running 
Fox said, suddenly. 

He again waded into the river and made his 
way to the overturned canoe. There was a long, 
jagged rent in the bow. The discovery in- 
creased his fears for Spotted Deer. He dragged 
the canoe to the shore and watched in gloomy 
110 


The Abandoned Canoe 


silence while Yellow Wolf and Dancing Owl 
made a careful examination. 

“Well, my friends, what do yon make of it?” 
Running Fox asked them. 

“It is bad,” declared Yellow Wolf. “I be- 
lieve that hole was made by a rock. Perhaps 
Spotted Deer was going fast to get away from 
the Mohawks. Perhaps it was dark. He could 
not see far ahead. Then he bumped into that 
rock and fell into the river. Perhaps the Water 
Monsters pulled him down. Perhaps he got to 
land. I cannot tell you about it. It looks bad.” 

“Yes, it looks bad,” agreed Running Fox. 
“Dancing Owl, tell us how you feel about it.” 

“It looks bad,” said Dancing Owl. “We 
found that paddle. That was bad. A warrior 
does not throw away his paddle. Now we have 
found this canoe. It was turned over. There 
is a hole in it. I believe something bad has 
happened to Spotted Deer.” 

“Listen,” cautioned Running Fox. 

At that moment they heard the call of 
Woakus, the fox, somewhere in the vicinity of 
the spot where they had left Painted Hawk and 
his companions. In a few moments the signal 
was repeated. Then it sounded the third time. 
The Delawares looked at one another in sur- 
prise. Had their friends found signs of Spotted 
Deer on the other side of the river? It seemed 
111 


Spotted Deer 

impossible. Still there was no reason to doubt 
the signal. 

“It is mysterious/ ’ declared Yellow Wolf. 

Running Fox repeated the call. Then they 
listened in grave suspense. It was not long be- 
fore the answer came. Again the signal 
sounded three times. There was no chance for 
uncertainty. It was plain that Painted Hawk 
and his companions had discovered a clew. The 
thought tilled Running Fox with hope. Then 
he began to wonder if his tribesmen had been 
deceived. Having found the paddle and canoe 
of Spotted Deer, it was difficult to understand 
how the latter had been located on the other 

k 

side of the river. Still Eunning Fox had full 
confidence in the judgment and skill of Painted 
Hawk and his companions. All were experi- 
enced warriors and scouts, and he knew that 
they would be unlikely to send a false signal. 

“I do not know what to make of this thing, 
but I believe our brothers have found some- 
thing/’ he said, finally. “If Spotted Deer was 
over there, perhaps he is alive.” 

“Perhaps Spotted Deer is with our brothers/ ’ 
Dancing Owl suggested, hopefully. 

Eunning Fox and Yellow Wolf remained si- 
lent. They were doubtful. Running Fox felt 
quite certain that if Spotted Deer had met his 
tribesmen, he would have sent a signal across 
112 


The Abandoned Canoe 


the water to relieve the anxiety of his friends. 

“Well, my brothers, we must try to find out 
about this thing / 7 declared Running Fox. “It 
would be foolish to go ahead until we know about 
it. I am the leader. I will tell you what I pro- 
pose to do. We must cross the water and talk 
with our friends. There is only one way to get 
over there. We must use this canoe. We can- 
not do that until we close that hole. Come, we 
will pull the canoe into the woods and fix it. 
Then we will wait until it gets dark. Then we 
will go to meet our friends / 9 

They carried the canoe some distance into the 
woods. Then, while Dancing Owl watched the 
river, Running Fox and Yellow Wolf scouted 
through the woods searching for pitch. They 
found it in hard nodules on the trunks of many 
of the pines and spruces, and they soon gath- 
ered a sufficient quantity. Then they returned 
to Dancing Owl who said that he had seen noth- 
ing to cause alarm. 

“It is good,” said Running Fox. “Pretty 
soon we will be ready to go across the water.” 

They made a small fire between two logs and 
placed a large flat stone across them. When 
it became heated they placed the pitch upon it. 
It took a long time for the pitch to soften. When 
it finally began to melt they daubed it upon the 
ends of flattened sticks and hurried to the ca- 
113 


Spotted Deer 


noe. Then as Dancing Owl and Tellow Wolf 
held the jagged edges of the hark in place, Run- 
ning Fox applied a thick coating of hot pitch 
over the tear. It was necessary to make many 
applications both on the inside and outside of 
the canoe to render it water-tight. When the 
task finally was completed the day was well ad- 
vanced. 

4 ‘Now we will cross the water and meet onr 
friends,” proposed Dancing Owl. 

“No, my brother,” Running Fox cautioned 
him. “We must wait. We made a fire. Per- 
haps the Mohawks saw the smoke. Perhaps 
they are watching the water. We will wait until 
it gets dark.” 

“Yes, we must wait,” agreed Yellow Wolf. 


CHAPTER XI 


A COUNCIL OF WAR 

W HEN twilight finally fell, Running Fox 
and his companions carried the canoe 
to the river. They launched it and 
found it water-tight. Then Running Fox pad- 
died slowly along the edge of the shore. They 
were watchful and alert for danger, but the 
river appeared free of foes. It was almost dark 
when they came opposite the spot where they 
expected to find their friends. Running Fox 
ceased paddling and imitated the cry of Gokhos, 
the owl. It was answered from the other side 
of the river. 

“Our friends are waiting,” said Yellow Wolf. 
Running Fox turned the canoe toward the 
center of the river. Once beyond the shadows 
near the shore, they realized that they were in 
plain sight of any foes who might be lurking in 
the forest. They kept a sharp watch for the 
sudden appearance of canoes. When they came 
within bow-shot of the place where the fire had 
been, Running Fox again ceased paddling and 
115 


Spotted Deer 


waited for a signal. He felt quite sure that they 
had been seen by their friends. In a few mo- 
ments they heard the call of Gokhos directly 
ahead of them. Running Fox paddled cau- 
tiously toward the shore. Then they recognized 
the voice of Painted Hawk. 

“My brothers, the way is clear / * he said. 

As they stepped ashore their friends hurried 
forward to inquire about the canoe. When they 
learned that it belonged to Spotted Deer they 
were dumb with amazement. 

“It is mysterious/ ’ Painted Hawk declared, 
at last. “I believe Spotted Deer was in this 
place. How did his canoe get across the 
water f ’ 9 

“Have you found signs of Spotted Deer?” 
Running Fox inquired, quickly. 

“We found signs that told us a prisoner was 
here,” said Painted Hawk. “I believe it was 
Spotted Deer. That is why I called you. When 
it grows light I will show you those signs. Per- 
haps you can tell us about it.” 

“If Spotted Deer is a prisoner it would be 
foolish to wait,” Running Fox declared, impa- 
tiently. 

“We found many tracks,” explained Painted 
Hawk. “We cannot follow them until it gets 
light.” 

“Well, tell us about it,” said Yellow Wolf. 

116 


A Council of War 


“Wait,” cautioned Banning Fox. “First we 
must pnll this canoe into the hashes. Then we 
will go and sit down in the woods. See, Maa- 
wallaawin is peeping over the trees. Pretty- 
soon the river will be light. If we stay here in 
the open, perhaps oar enemies will see as.” 

The others qaickly saw the wisdom of his 
words. The moon was rising above the eastern 
ridges and they knew that they woald soon be- 
come conspicaoas on the open shore of the river. 
They dragged the canoe from the water and 
carried it into the bashes. Then they withdrew 
into the shelter of the forest. Fearfal of mak- 
ing a fire, they seated themselves in a little 
circle and began to talk. 

“My brothers, I will tell yoa aboat this 
thing,” said Painted Hawk. “When we came 
to this place we began to look aroand for oar 
enemies. We did not find them. Then we came 
down here near the water and began to look 
for signs. We saw some tracks aroand the 
place where the fire was. We saw the marks 
of canoes near the water. Then we began to 
look aroand. Pretty soon we foand some tracks 
in the woods. Then we foand some ashes and 
black wood behind a rock. We saw where some 
people had been lying down. Then Taming 
Eagle foand something big. His eyes are sharp. 
He was looking at a place where some one had 
117 


Spotted Deer 


been lying down. Then he saw something to 
tell about. Come, Turning Eagle, tell our 
brothers about it.” 

“I will tell you about it,” said Turning Eagle. 
“I was looking around that place where those 
people had been lying down. I was looking 
sharp. Then I saw something strange. It 
looked like it looks when our brother Wisa- 
wanik, the squirrel, pulls away the leaves. I 
looked close at that place. Then I saw some 
more marks on the ground. They were made by 
fingers. Then I thought about it. I said , i Some 
one was lying down with his hands behind him. ’ 
They were in the middle of his back. They were 
crossed. Then I said, ‘ That person was a pris- 
oner. ’ Then I called Painted Hawk and 
Crooked Foot to look at those marks. They felt 
good about it. That is all I have to say about 
it.” 

“Are you sure about this thing?” Running 
Fox inquired, eagerly. 

“Yes,” declared Turning Eagle. “I looked 
sharp. What I have told you is true.” 

“Come, we will go to this place,” proposed 
Dancing Owl. 

“No, we must not do that,” Running Fox told 
him. “If we go to that place in the dark we 
cannot see anything. Perhaps we will wipe 
away many tracks. W e must wait until the light 
118 


A Council of War 


comes. Then we will go and find out about it.” 

“This thing is mysterious,” declared Yellow 
Wolf. “If the Mohawks caught Spotted Deer 
over here, how did we come to find his canoe on 
the other side of the water?” 

For some moments the Delawares remained 
silent. They seemed unable to answer the ques- 
tion. The circumstances were confusing. At 
last, however, Dancing Owl spoke. 

“My brothers, I saw those big fires near the 
water,” he told them. “I went up close. Then 
I saw the Mohawks. I saw them go up the 
river. I did not see anything of Spotted Deer. ” 

“Turning Eagle, did those people who were 
here go back to the river ? ’ * Running Fox asked, 
anxiously. 

“I cannot tell you that,” said Turning Eagle. 
“We found many tracks. Some were going to- 
ward the woods. Some were going toward the 
river. They were all mixed together. But I 
will tell you that some tracks went away into 
the woods. Yes, I believe those people went 
away toward the-place-where-the-sun-sleeps. 
We tried to follow those tracks. Then it got 
dark and we could not see them.” 

Running Fox was greatly impressed by the 
announcement. His mind was filled with inter- 
esting possibilities. He began to doubt that the 
Mohawks had carried Spotted Deer up the river. 
119 


Spotted Deer 


The uncertainty gave him hope. Still he was 
unable to gness what had become of his friend. 
Having fonnd his abandoned canoe it was evi- 
dent that misfortune of some sort had overtaken 
him. For the moment Running Fox felt help- 
less to solve the mystery of Spotted Deer’s 
strange disappearance. His one hope was that 
Spotted Deer was still alive. 

“My friends, I will tell you how I feel about 
this thing,” said Yellow Wolf. “Spotted Deer 
has disappeared. We have found his canoe. 
Something bad must have happened to him. 
Dancing Owl saw the Mohawks in this place. 
He did not see Spotted Deer in their canoes. 
Painted Hawk and Crooked Foot and Turning 
Eagle are good scouts. They have found many 
tracks over here. Turning Eagle says there was 
a prisoner here. I believe his words. Now, my 
friends, we cannot tell who left those tracks. I 
believe they were Mohawks. We cannot tell 
about that prisoner. Perhaps it was Spotted 
Deer. Perhaps it was some one different. We 
cannot tell about those big fires. Now you see 
if we cannot tell about these things it will be 
hard to know what to do. Come, Running Fox, 
you are the leader, tell us about it.” 

“Yellow Wolf, what you say is true,” replied 
Running Fox. “It is hard to know about this 
thing. I will tell you how I feel about it. I do 
120 


A Council of War 


not believe the Mohawks took Spotted Deer up 
the river. Dancing Owl was watching. He did 
not see him. Turning Eagle has sharp eyes. 
I believe what he tells us is true. I believe that 
prisoner was Spotted Deer. If he was with the 
people who slept at this place, then they must 
have taken him away. Turning Eagle says 
they went away toward the-place-where-the-sun- 
sleeps. My friends, perhaps those people were 
not Mohawks. The Shawnees live over there 
beyond the hills. Perhaps those people were 
Shawnees. Perhaps they came over here to 
hunt. Perhaps they caught Spotted Deer. Per- 
haps they are going to the Shawnee village. 
When it gets light we will try to find out about 
it. Now I cannot tell you any more.” 

“ Running Fox, your words are good,” said 
Painted Hawk. “I believe those people who 
went away on foot were Shawnees. I cannot 
tell about Spotted Deer. You found his canoe 
on the other side of the water. I believe he was 
over there. Perhaps the Mohawks caught him 
over there. Perhaps they did not come down 
where Dancing Owl was watching. Dancing 
Owl says he heard the call of Gokhos. It was up 
the river. Perhaps the people who caught 
Spotted Deer were calling the warriors at the 
fires. Perhaps the Mohawks followed Spotted 
Deer down the river. Perhaps they made those 
121 


Spotted Deer 


fires so that he could not pass. I do not know 
about this thing. This is how I feel abont it.” 

“My brothers, I have listened to the words of 
Yellow Wolf, and Running Fox and Painted 
Hawk,” said Crooked Foot. “Now I will give 
you some words. We must try to find out the 
best thing to do. I will tell you how I feel about 
it. I believe the Mohawks were here and I be- 
lieve the Shawnees were here. I believe the 
Mohawks went away in canoes. I believe the 
Shawnees walked away. I saw those marks on 
the ground. I believe there was a prisoner lying 
in that place. If it was Spotted Deer, then I be- 
lieve he went away with the Shawnees. That 
is all I have to say about it . 9 9 

Then the Delawares became silent. Having 
failed to come to a definite conclusion regard- 
ing the disappearance of their tribesman, each 
of them was meditating upon the possibilities 
suggested by his friends. They realized that 
only daylight could give them a clew to the mys- 
tery. 

“Well, I see that we feel different about this 
thing,” Running Fox told them. “There is no 
use of talking any more. We must wait until 
the light comes. Then we will go and look sharp 
at those tracks. If they tell us that Spotted 
Deer was taken away by the Shawnees, we will 
know what to do. If we cannot tell about it then 
122 


A Council of War 


we must separate. Some of us must go to the 
Mohawk village. Some of us must try to fol- 
low the people who walked away. My friends, 
that is all I can tell you about it.” 

“We will wait until it gets light,” agreed his 
friends. 

A moment afterward Running Fox rose and 
walked away. His heart was heavy with grief 
and he wished to be alone. He made his way 
to the edge of the timber and seated himself 
at the base of a giant pine. The great, black 
forest was hushed in slumber. The night was 
glorious. The air was sharp and still. The 
heavens were sprinkled with stars. The river 
sparkled in the moonlight. Running Fox was 
unimpressed. His mind was filled with thoughts 
of Spotted Deer. 

“It is bad,” he kept telling himself. 

Convinced that Spotted Deer had been cap- 
tured by either the Mohawks or the Shawnees, 
Running Fox realized that each moment of de- 
lay lessened the chance of saving him. The 
thought that Spotted Deer might be depending 
upon, him drove him into a frenzy of despair. 
He saw little chance of overtaking his foes be- 
fore they reached their village, and then he 
feared he might be too late to help his friend. 
His courage weakened at the thought. Spotted 
Deer had been his loyal friend and companion 
123 


Spotted Deer 


since early boyhood, and a strong affection ex- 
isted between them. They had shared many 
perilous adventures and each had risked his life 
to save the other. Now, when he believed 
Spotted Deer was in urgent need of assistance, 
Running Fox felt powerless to help him. The 
thought overwhelmed him with grief. Rising to 
his feet, he spread his arms toward the sky and 
offered an earnest, impassioned appeal to Get- 
anittowit, the Great One. 

Great Getanittowit, listen to my words. 

Getanittowit, something bad has happened. 

Getanittowit, tell me about it. 

Great Getanittowit, my heart is black. 

Getanittowit, take pity on me. 

Getanittowit, make me brave and strong. 

Getanittowit, give me power to find Spotted Deer. 

After he had finished his appeal, Running 
Fox stood for a long time staring anxiously into 
the heavens. Then a star swept across the sky 
and dropped into the west. The superstitious 
young warrior accepted it as a good omen. He 
believed that his prayer had been answered. 

“Getanittowit has sent me a sign,” he said. 
“Now I will find Spotted Deer.” 


CHAPTER XII 


ON THE TRAIL 

I T was barely light when the anxious Dela- 
ware scouts hastened to the river to study 
the tracks at the spot where the fire had 
been. Running Fox spent only a few moments 
at that place. Then he moved along at the edge 
of the water. He soon found the marks of sev- 
eral canoes, and stopped to examine them. 
There were many tracks on the shore. It was 
evident that the skillful young scout had found 
a clew. He crouched low to the ground and 
studied the footprints with great care. His 
companions watched hopefully. Then he sud- 
denly left them, and went farther along the 
river. He coursed to and fro between the woods 
and the water like an eager wolf on the trail of 
game. At last he disappeared into the forest. 
His friends waited patiently. They believed he 
was working out some clew which he had dis- 
covered at the spot where the canoes had been 
lifted from the water. It was a long time be- 
fore he returned. Then they saw him approach- 
125 


Spotted Deer 


ing slowly along the edge of the woods. He ap- 
peared to he following a trail. In a few mo- 
ments he called his friends. As they joined him 
he crouched and pointed to several moccasin 
tracks which were scarcely discernible on an 
open patch of ground. 

“My friends, I have fonnd ont about this 
thing,” Running Fox said, as his eyes flashed 
excitedly. “Come, we will go back where those 
canoes were, and I will tell you about it.” 

When they arrived at that spot, Running Fox 
again stooped to examine the tracks. He seemed 
to be studying them even more carefully than 
before. Several times he measured them with 
his hands. Then he rose and smiled confidently 
at his friends. 

“Yes, my brothers, I know about this thing,” 
he said. “I will tell you about it. I believe 
Spotted Deer was brought here in one of those 
canoes. See, here are the tracks of some one 
who stepped out of one of those canoes. He 
stood here by himself. Those other tracks are 
all around him. I believe the warrior who stood 
alone was a prisoner. Those other people stood 
around to look at him. I believe that prisoner 
was Spotted Deer. I believe some one brought 
him across the water in a canoe. My brothers, 
I do not believe the Mohawks had anything to 
do with it.” 


126 


On the Trail 


His friends exclaimed in surprise. If Spotted 
Deer had been brought there in a canoe, they be- 
lieved it must have been the Mohawks who had 
brought him. It was some moments before they 
recovered from their astonishment. Then they 
began to question Running Fox. 

“Who do you believe brought Spotted Deer 
here?” Painted Hawk asked him. 

“The Shawnees,” said Running Fox. 

“Dancing Owl saw Mohawks in those canoes,” 
Crooked Foot reminded him. 

“Yes, I believe the words of Dancing Owl,” 
declared Running Fox. “Now you must listen 
close. When I saw these tracks I knew there 
was a prisoner in one of those canoes. I be- 
lieve it was Spotted Deer. Turning Eagle says 
some people took him away toward the-place- 
where-the-sun-sleeps. I believe it was the Shaw- 
nees. Then I said, ‘The Shawnees must have 
come in those canoes. That prisoner got out of 
one of those canoes. Dancing Owl saw the Mo- 
hawks take the canoes away. How did it hap- 
pen? I will try to find out about it.’ Then I 
went along the river. I looked sharp. Pretty 
soon I found a track. Then I found another. 
Then I found some more. They were coming 
this way. They kept close to the woods. I saw 
where some one had been standing. Then I 
said, ‘ These people stopped here to watch some- 
127 


Spotted Deer 


thing. They were cautious. I believe they were 
scouts.’ I followed up those tracks. I went 
fast. Pretty soon I came to a place where two 
canoes had been pushed into the bushes. Then 
I began to think about it. Now I will tell you 
what I found out. 

“I believe the people who came here in those 
canoes were Shawnees. I believe the people 
who came here on foot were Mohawks. I be- 
lieve the Shawnees took those canoes from the 
Mohawks. I believe the Shawnees saw Spotted 
Deer. I believe some were ahead of him and 
some were behind him. I believe the Shawnees 
who were ahead of Spotted Deer made those 
big fires to light the river. Then he could not 
pass. I believe the other Shawnees came up 
with him. I believe Spotted Deer tried to get 
away and bumped into a rock. Then they caught 
him and brought him to the big fire. Then they 
got afraid and stopped that fire. Then they 
went up into the woods where Turning Eagle 
found those signs. 

“Then I believe the Mohawks came down here 
after those canoes. They saw the fires. They 
crept down through the woods. The Shawnees 
heard them and ran away. Then the Mohawks 
took away the canoes. My friends, I believe 
Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee camp. That is 
how I feel about it.” 


128 


On the Trail 


“Running Fox, I believe what you say is 
true,” Painted Hawk said, excitedly. “You 
are as sharp as Woakus, the fox.” 

“Yes, yes, Running Fox has found out about 
it,” declared the others. 

“Well, my friends, there is no use talking 
about it,” Running Fox told them. “We must 
try to do something. Turning Eagle, show me 
the place where those people were lying down.” 

They made their way into the woods and soon 
came upon the remains of the fire behind the 
rock. Running Fox examined the signs. He 
agreed with Turning Eagle that one of those 
who had slept there was a prisoner. 

“It must have been Spotted Deer,” declared 
Running Fox. “Now we must try to find him. 
Come, we will follow those people.” 

He led the way along the trail. For some 
distance it was plain and easy to follow, and 
Running Fox marveled at the carelessness of 
his foes. It appeared that the travelers had 
little fear of being pursued. 

“The Shawnees are like foolish old women,” 
said Yellow Wolf. “They leave many signs.” 

Toward the end of the day, however, the trail 
began to grow indistinct and difficult to follow. 
The woods were freer from undergrowth and 
the travelers seemed to have become more cau- 
tious. They had left few signs. The Delawares 
129 


Spotted Deer 


were compelled to travel more slowly. Running 
Fox grew impatient at the delay. 

“It is bad,” he said, irritably. “It will take 
us a long time to reach the Shawnee village. 
Perhaps it will be too late to help Spotted 
Deer.” 

“If Spotted Deer is with these people, per- 
haps he will leave a sign,” suggested Turning 
Eagle. 

“I am watching sharp,” Running Fox told 
him. 

Soon afterward they lost the trail on a barren, 
rocky hillside. There were neither tracks nor 
signs to guide them, and they halted in dismay. 
Then they separated and began to search. Some 
moved along the slope, others went along the 
summit of the ridge. 

“Perhaps it is a trick,” Crooked Foot said 
suspiciously. “Perhaps those people have 
turned off. Perhaps they are not Shawnees.” 

The possibility was disturbing. Running 
Fox, however, felt confident. He believed they 
would find the trail at the base of the ridge. 
His hopes were verified when Turning Eagle 
suddenly called: 

“Here are tracks,” he said. 

They hurried down the hillside and found the 
trail continuing toward the west. They fol- 
lowed it until the end of the day when it led 
130 


On the Trail 


them to a little stream that flowed from the 
north. Banning Fox stopped and looked 
sharply at Dancing Owl. Dancing Owl nodded 
understanding^. It was a familiar spot. 

“This is the place where Banning Fox and 
Spotted Deer took me away from the Shaw- 
nees,” he told his companions. “They were 
very brave. They foaght back many Shaw- 
nees.” 

The year previous, Dancing Owl had been cap- 
tared by the Shawnees, who were taking him 
to their village, w T hen Banning Fox and Spotted 
Deer discovered his plight. They followed 
swiftly on the trail and overtook their foes at 
the stream. Then the daring Delawares crossed 
the water below their enemies and concealed 
themselves in the bashes on the opposite side of 
the stream. As the Shawnees were crossing, 
the two yoang Delawares made a fierce attack 
from ambash and threw the Shawnees into sach 
confasion that Dancing Owl was able to escape. 
Then the three Delawares sped safely away 
while the bewildered Shawnees were hiding in 
the woods in fear of an attack from a large war 
party of Delawares. Dancing Owl told the story 
to his friends with great delight. 

“It was a great thing to do,” laughed Yellow 
Wolf. “The Delawares are too sharp for the 
foolish Shawnees.” 


131 


Spotted Deer 


“Yes, yes,” agreed Dancing Owl. “If 
Spotted Deer is alive we will fool the Shawnees 
and carry him away.” 

“Well, if the Shawnees have killed Spotted 
Deer, I do not care what becomes of me,” de- 
clared Running Fox. “I will go into the Shaw- 
nee camp and keep shooting my arrows at the 
Shawnees until they kill me.” 

As the day was almost at an end the Dela- 
wares decided to spend the night beside the 
stream. Aware that the Shawnees might send 
scouts back along the trail to make sure that 
they had not been followed, Running Fox de- 
termined to take precautions. 

“My friends, it would be foolish to stay here,” 
he said. “I see that those people stopped here. 
Perhaps some of them will come back and find 
us. We will go along the water until we feel 
safe.” 

“It is good,” said Painted Hawk. 

They moved a considerable distance down the 
stream until they came to a dense stand of 
spruces. The heavy forest offered a splendid 
hiding place, and they determined to remain 
there until daylight. The night passed without 
alarm, and at dawn they crossed the stream. 
Then they again set out along the trail. 

“We must look sharp,” cautioned Running 
Fox. “Perhaps scouts have stayed behind to 
132 


On the T~a.il 


watch- If they see ns they will ns to their peo- 
ple. Then they will hm Spotted Deer.*’ 

They saw nothing to arouse their snspidons. 
and at sunset they stopped at a little spring in 
the bottom of a wooded ravins. They soon 
found signs which made it plain that their foes 
had spent the night at that place. 

“ These people did not make a fire/' sail Ban- 
ning Fox. “I believe they were afraid- Per- 
haps they thought some one tis dose behind 
them.” 

“Perhaps some of the Mohawks followed 
them.” Crooked Foot told him- 

“Xo,” replied Running Fox. “Those Mo- 
hawks came to get their canoes. When they got 
them they went away. They were close to cur 
village. They were afraid of our people.” 

“Yes. I saw them go away/* said Dancing 
OwL 

They spent the nisht in the ravine, and at 
dawn they again set out chi the trail It was 
not long before they found signs whijh gave 
evidence that the Shawnees ~re advancing with 
less caution- The Delawares believed that they 
were approaching the Shawnee camp. The 
thought roused them to their peril They real- 
ized that at any moment they might encounter 
a company of Shawnee scouts. 

“We have come into the country of our ene- 

133 


Spotted Deer 

mies,” Running Fox warned them. “We must 
watch out.” 

A moment later he stopped suddenly and 
picked something from the ground. He stared 
at it in amazement. Then his face lighted with 
joy. He began to laugh. He held a buckskin 
knife-sheath above his head. 

“See!” he cried, “Spotted Deer has left a 
sign. This thing belongs to him.” 

His companions crowded eagerly about him. 
They passed the knife-sheath from one to the 
other. It was of Delaware workmanship and 
bore a design similar to the one which they had 
seen on the blade of the paddle. There was no 
doubt that it belonged to Spotted Deer. They 
felt sure that the crafty young warrior had 
purposely dropped it to guide them on the trail. 
The thought filled them with hope. 

“It is good,” said Running Fox. “Now we 
know that Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee 
camp . 9 9 

Although he fully understood the peril to 
which Spotted Deer was exposed, Running Fox 
was greatly relieved to know that his friend had 
escaped falling into the hands of the Mohawks. 
Aware of the intense hatred which those fierce 
foes had for Spotted Deer and himself, he knew 
that they would have wasted little time before 
taking vengeance upon the unfortunate captive. 
134 


On the Trail 


He was somewhat more hopeful, however, of 
finding Spotted Deer alive in the Shawnee camp. 

“Here are more signs,” he told his friends. 

They loitered for a moment to examine a 
freshly broken branch. It had been twisted to- 
ward the west. They knew, at once, that it was 
the work of Spotted Deer. 

“The Shawnees have untied the hands of 
Spotted Deer,” laughed Yellow Wolf. “See 
how he is using them.” 

They continued to find other clews. Bent 
twigs, broken branches and loosened stones ap- 
peared at frequent intervals. The trail, too, 
had become wide and plain. It was evident that 
Spotted Deer was using his feet as well as his 
hands to leave signals for his friends. His 
stratagem made it possible for them to hurry 
along with little uncertainty. Then they came 
to a spot where the undergrowth was broken 
and trampled. They stopped to examine it. 

“Some one fell down at this place,” Running 
Fox said, soberly. 

He stooped and began to look closely at the 
broken bushes. Then he examined the ground. 
His companions believed that he was searching 
for evidence to prove that Spotted Deer had 
been injured. They, too, looked upon the spot 
with alarm. They feared that the Shawnees 
might have suddenly detected Spotted Deer in 
135 


Spotted Deer 

the act of leaving a clew, and struck him down 
in their anger. 

“ Perhaps the Shawnees have killed our 
brother, ’ 9 said Running Fox, as his eyes flashed 
threateningly. “Come, look through the 
bushes.” 

Alarmed by his words, the Delawares sepa- 
rated and circled carefully about the spot. 
They searched faithfully but found nothing to 
confirm their fears. 

“It is good,” said Running Fox. “We will 
go ahead.” 

New clews assured them that Spotted Deer 
had passed the spot in safety. Encouraged by 
the thought, they rushed along at a furious pace. 
Running Fox was determined to reach the Shaw- 
nee village at the earliest possible moment. 

“We must go fast,” he said. “Perhaps the 
Shawnees are about to kill Spotted Deer.” 

The possibility roused the Delawares to fran- 
tic efforts and they sped through the woods with 
no thought of fatigue. Shortly after midday 
they came upon the place where the Shawnees 
had spent the third night. They saw the ashes 
from a fire, and they believed that the nearness 
of the village had made the Shawnees bold. 

“Come, we must go faster,” cried Running 
Fox, as he hurried on. 

Darkness had already fallen when they finally 

136 


On the Trail 


stopped on the summit of a steep, wooded ridge. 
Then as they looked down into the valley on the 
other side, they suddenly discovered the fires 
in the Shawnee village. For some moments they 
looked in silence. They thought of Spotted Deer 
and their hearts filled with ominous doubts. 
Was he still alive? 

“Well, my brothers, there is the camp of our 
enemies, the Shawnees,” said Running Fox. 
“Pretty soon some of us will go down there and 
try to find Spotted Deer. If he is alive, we will 
take him away. If he is dead, I will rush into 
the camp and kill many Shawnees.” 


CHAPTER XIII 


A STRANGE ALLY 

T HE Shawnee camp was brightly illumi- 
nated by the glow from the fires, and the 
Delawares saw many people passing 
about. The Shawnees appeared to be engaged 
in their ordinary tasks, and there was nothing 
to indicate that anything of importance was 
taking place. The Delawares noted that the 
village was located beside a river. They saw 
the light reflected on the water. 

“I have seen that camp before,” said Yellow 
Wolf. “It is close by a big river. It is a long 
ways from the edge of the woods. The ground 
around it is bare. There are many high logs 
stuck in the ground around the village. It will 
be hard to get into it.” 

Running Fox listened in silence. He suddenly 
realized the difficulty of his task. If the camp 
was surrounded by a log stockade, he knew it 
would be impossible to see anything of Spotted 
Deer without entering the village. He had little 
hope of being able to accomplish that perilous 
138 


A Strange Ally 


feat. He knew that even if he should succeed in 
getting into the camp, it might be impossible to 
locate and reach Spotted Deer. For the mo- 
ment he lost confidence. Then he suddenly real- 
ized that Spotted Deer had relied on him. The 
clews which he had left along the way took on 
a new significance. Running Fox accepted them 
as mute appeals for aid from the friend who 
more than once had risked death to help him. 
The thought stirred him. He determined to sac- 
rifice his life if necessary in an attempt to free 
Spotted Deer. 

* 6 Getanittowit will help me,” he murmured. 

“It will be hard to get down to that place,” 
Painted Hawk said, suddenly. 

“There is a trail that goes down there, but it 
is very steep,” Yellow Wolf told him. “A long 
time ago I was with some scouts, and we came 
over here and found out about this place. ’ * 

“It would be foolish to follow that trail,” 
Running Fox told them. “Perhaps the Shaw- 
nees are watching.” 

“Well, Running Fox, you are the leader, tell 
us what you propose to do,” said Painted Hawk. 

“I am going to ask Yellow Wolf and Dancing 
Owl to go down there with me,” said Running 
Fox. ‘ ‘ I am going to ask the rest of you to wait 
up here. I cannot tell you what we are going to 
do. I do not know how to get into that camp. I 
139 


Spotted Deer 


do not know how to find out about Spotted Deer. 
I am going down there to look around. If we 
do not come back before it gets light you will 
know that something bad has happened to us. 
If you hear the call of Gokhos three times, you 
must come to us. If you do not hear it, then 
you must wait until it gets light. ” 

“We will keep your words / 9 Painted Hawk 
told him. “If the Shawnees catch you, one of 
us will go and tell our people. Two will keep 
watching. Then we will bring a big war party 
to get you.” 

“ It is good , 9 7 said Running Fox. 6 6 Come, my 
friends, we will go.” 

A moment afterward the three daring scouts 
disappeared into the night. Their departure 
filled their friends with doubts. They knew the 
peril to which Running Fox and his companions 
were exposing themselves, and they had grave 
fears for their safety. 

“Our brothers are brave,” Painted Hawk de- 
clared, hopefully. “I believe they will fool the 
Shawnees. Yes, I believe we will see them 
again.” 

Running Fox made no attempt to find the trail 
of which Yellow Wolf had spoken, but turned 
directly down the side of the ridge. The way 
was steep and perilous, and they proceeded with 
great caution. The night was black and star- 
140 


A Strange Ally 


less and great Mauwallauwin hid behind the 
clouds. Banning Fox was thankful for the 
darkness. He knew that it would make it easier 
to approach the Shawnee camp. 

i ‘ Mauwallauwin is helping us , 9 y he said. ‘ i He 
has put away his light so that the Shawnees can- 
not see us.” 

When they finally reached the base of the 
ridge they stopped at the edge of the timber to 
watch and listen for their foes. They found a 
wide stretch of barren ground between them and 
the Shawnee village. 

“That is a bad place,” declared Dancing Owl. 
“If the Shawnees catch us out there, it will be 
hard to get away.” 

“We must be cautious,” Bunning Fox told 
him. 

Then as they heard nothing to alarm them, 
they left the shelter of the woods, and moved 
slowly across the open ground. As they ap- 
proached the village they suddenly thought of 
the dogs. There was little doubt that some of 
them were prowling about outside the camp. 

“If they smell us they will make a great 
noise,” said Yellow Wolf. 

Bunning Fox moistened his finger and held 
it above his head to test the wind. It came from 
the direction of the village. The discovery 
somewhat relieved their anxiety. There was 
141 


Spotted Deer 

less probability of the dogs catching their scent. 
Then they suddenly heard something which 
brought them to a standstill. It was the call of 
Gtokhotit, the little red owl. It sounded over 
near the edge of the timber. It was a favorite 
signal between Spotted Deer and Running Fox. 
The latter thrilled as he heard it. A great hope 
rose in his heart. Twice it sounded softly 
through the night and then it ceased. 

“Listen !” Running Fox whispered, excitedly. 
“That is a signal. I have heard Spotted Deer 
use it many times. Perhaps he is hiding over 
there. Come, we will go over there and find out 
who it is.” 

They turned and hurried toward the place 
where they had heard the call. The possibility 
of finding Spotted Deer made their hearts beat 
wildly. As they drew near the timber they 
became more cautious. They realized that the 
call might have been made by a Shawnee, and 
they determined to be on their guard. When 
they finally came within bow-shot of the woods 
they stopped and listened. Then the call was 
repeated directly ahead of them. There was 
something weird and mysterious about it as it 
rose tremulously through the night. 

“Now watch out!” Running Fox warned, as 
he fitted an arrow to his bow. 

Then he replied to the signal. His call was 
142 


A Strange Ally 


soft and low and only sufficiently loud to reach 
the ears of the mysterious caller at the edge of 
the woods. The Delawares listened anxiously 
as it died away. A moment afterward they 
heard an answer. It, too, was low and guarded. 

“It is mysterious,” said Yellow Wolf. 

“I believe it is Spotted Deer,” declared Danc- 
ing Owl. 

“Be cautious,” Bunning Fox warned him. 

Alert, and ready to defend themselves, they 
advanced carefully toward the timber. When 
they were within easy speaking distance they 
stopped. Then Banning Fox called softly. 

“Spotted Deer,” he said. 

“Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee village,” re- 
plied a voice from the darkness. 

It was the voice of a young boy or a woman 
and the Delawares turned to one another in 
surprise. For some moments they remained si- 
lent while they tried to solve the mystery. 
Many thoughts passed through their minds. 
Had some wily Shawnee scout discovered them 
and prepared a clever stratagem to lure them to 
their death 1 Had Spotted Deer found a friend 
among the Shawnees? Was it one of their own 
people ? Before they could arrive at a decision 
the strange voice again sounded from the woods. 

“Do not be afraid, Delawares,” it said. “I 
have come here to help you. Perhaps I can 
143 


Spotted Deer 

save Spotted Deer. You must listen to my 
words / ’ 

“Who are you?” demanded Yellow Wolf. 
“The Shawnees call me the Mystery 
Woman.” 

“ It is a Medicine Person, ’ ’ Punning Fox whis- 
pered, uneasily. “We must listen to her words. 
Perhaps she will help us . 9 9 

“Do not try to kill me,” said the mysterious 
person in the timber. “If you kill me, Spotted 
Deer will surely die.” 

“No, my friend, we will not kill you,” Run- 
ning Fox assured her. 

“Then I will tell you what to do,” she said. 
“We will come over there and talk with you,” 
proposed Running Fox. 

“No, no, stay where you are,” she com- 
manded, impatiently. “Come, there is little 
time. Close your mouth and open your ears.” 
“We will listen,” Running Fox told her. 
“Well, Delawares, I will tell you that the 
Shawnees have caught your brother, Spotted 
Deer,” she told them. “He is tied up in the 
Shawnee camp. You cannot reach him. Scouts 
are watching around the camp. If you try to 
get into the village you will surely be killed. 
Now listen sharp to what I am about to tell you. 
The Shawnees are going to kill Spotted Deer. 
They are going to kill him when the great chief 
144 


A Strange Ally 


Big Dog returns from the hunt. He will come 
before two suns pass. That is why I came here 
to find you. Spotted Deer says his people will 
come. He says his friend Running Fox will 
come.” 

“I am here,” said Running Fox. 

“It is good,” she replied. “How many have 
come?” 

The Delawares remained silent. The ques- 
tion made them suspicious. They feared that 
this mysterious woman might be attempting to 
gain information for their foes. 

“Well, I see that you are cautious,” she 
laughed. “It is good. Now I will tell you what 
to do. Red Dog will cross this ridge. He will 
come along a steep trail that comes down from 
the top of the ridge. Two great warriors will 
come with him. They are Many Beavers and 
Striking Bear. They are very brave. When 
those warriors come to the Shawnee village, 
Spotted Deer must die. If they do not come, 
perhaps I can help him. Now you know about 
it. I have finished.” 

“My friend, you have spoken big words,” 
said Running Fox. “I do not know who you 
are but my heart is good toward you. I believe 
you are trying to help us. It is good.” 

They waited some moments but there was no 
response. The silence aroused their fears. 
145 


Spotted Deer 


They looked anxiously into the darkness. They 
listened for the approach of stealthy footsteps. 
There was no hint of danger. 

“Come, my friend, give us some more words,’ ’ 
Running Fox said, finally. 

The appeal was futile. The strange voice had 
ceased. The Delawares became uneasy. They 
wondered if they had been conversing with one 
of the mysterious Medicine Beings. Then they 
heard the call of Gokhotit, the little red owl. It 
was far away toward the Shawnee village. 

“She has gone,” said Yellow Wolf. 

“Perhaps she will tell Spotted Deer about 
us,” Punning Fox said, hopefully. 

“Do you believe her words?” Dancing Owl 
asked, anxiously. 

“Yes,” said Running Fox. “I believe she 
came here to help us. I cannot tell about it. It 
is mysterious. Perhaps Getanittowit sent her 
here. I believe something good will come of 
it.” 

“Well, I do not know what to make of it,” de- 
clared Dancing Owl. “Are you going to the 
Shawnee camp?” 

“No,” replied Running Fox. “I believe it 
would be foolish. It would be hard to get into 
that camp. If we go over there and get caught, 
Big Dog and his friends will come to the camp. 
Then we will all be killed. Anyway I believe 
146 


A Strange Ally 

that strange woman is a Medicine Person. If 
we make her mad, much harm may come of it. 
I am going to turn around. We will go back and 
tell our brothers about it.” 

“It is the best thing to do,” 

Wolf. 


said Yellow 


CHAPTER XIV 


WAITING AND WATCHING 

A LTHOUGH the mysterious stranger had 
assured them that the trail to the top of 
the ridge was unguarded, the Delawares 
believed that the more difficult route through 
the woods might be safer. As they began the 
steep, exhausting climb, the clouds suddenly 
broke and Mauwallauwin flooded the valley with 
his soft, mystic light. 

“It is a good sign,” declared Running Fox. 
‘ 4 Great Mauwallauwin has sent the light to show 
us the way.” 

When they finally reached the summit of the 
ridge they hastened to the spot where they had 
left their friends. The latter were greatly sur- 
prised at the sudden return. 

“You have come back — it is good,” said 
Painted Hawk. “Now I know that my brother 
Spotted Deer is alive.” 

“Yes, he is alive,” Running Fox told him. 
“Did you see him?” Crooked Foot asked, 
eagerly. 


148 


Waiting and Watching 

“No,” replied Running Fox. 

“Then how do you know about it I” Turning 
Eagle inquired, curiously. 

“Listen, my friends, I will tell you about it,” 
said Running Fox. ‘ ‘ Something mysterious has 
happened to us. We were going to the Shawnee 
camp. Then we heard the call of Gokhotit, the 
little red owl. It is the signal which Spotted 
Deer makes. It was very soft. It came from 
the timber. We stopped. I began to think 
about Spotted Deer. Then we heard it again. 
We went toward the place where it was. We 
said, ‘Perhaps it is Spotted Deer/ We could 
not tell about it. We were very cautious. When 
we got close, we got ready to fight. We said, 
‘ Perhaps it is the Shawnees. ’ Then I made the 
call. Pretty soon we heard it come back. It 
was close by. Then I called out very soft. I 
said, ‘Spotted Deer/ Pretty soon some one 
talked to us. ‘Spotted Deer is in the Shawnee 
camp,’ that person told us. It sounded like an 
old woman. We looked hard but we could not 
see any one. It was very dark. Perhaps that 
is why we could not see that person. Perhaps 
there was no one there. I cannot tell about it. 
It sounded mysterious. We kept still. We did 
not know what to do.” 

“Yes, yes, tell us about it,” Turning Eagle 
said, eagerly, as Running Fox paused. 

149 


Spotted Deer 


“Well, my brothers, pretty soon that voice 
came again , 99 said Running Fox. “It said, ‘Do 
not be afraid, Delawares. I have come here to 
help you. Perhaps I can save Spotted Deer. 
You must listen to my words/ 

“When we heard those words we did not know 
what to do. Then I called out. I said, ‘Who 
are you?’ 

“ ‘The Shawnees call me the Mystery 
Woman/ that voice told us. 

“Then I said, ‘It is a Medicine Person/ 
“Well, my friends, then we listened sharp. 
That person told us what we went down there 
to find out about. Now I will tell you about it. 
Spotted Deer is tied up in the Shawnee camp. 
The Shawnees will kill him when Big Dog, the 
great Shawnee chief, returns from the hunt. 
Big Dog will cross this ridge. Big Dog will go 
down that trail that Yellow Wolf told us about. 
That mysterious person told us that we must 
not go to the camp. Scouts are watching around 
the village. That person told us we would surely 
be killed if we tried to go there. 

“Then the voice stopped coming to us. We 
waited a long time. We listened sharp. We 
did not hear anything. Then I called out. 
Nothing came back. We waited a long time. 
Then I called out again. Nothing came back. 
Then we heard the call of Gokhotit, the little red 
150 


Waiting and Watching 

owl. It was far away near the Shawnee village. 
Then we turned around and came here. Now 
I have told you about it.” 

“Running Fox, if that person was a Medicine 
Person a great thing has happened to you,” said 
Crooked Foot. “It is mysterious.” 

“My brothers, I do not like this thing,” 
Painted Hawk declared, uneasily. “Perhaps 
that mysterious person was a Shawnee. Per- 
haps the Shawnees are trying to catch us. Per- 
haps they are trying to keep us here until a war 
party comes out from the village.” 

“Yes, I believe that is what they are trying to 
do,” agreed Turning Eagle. “We must watch 
out.” 

“My friends, I do not believe the Shawnees 
had anything to do with it,” Running Fox told 
them. “Perhaps it was a mysterious Medicine 
Person. Perhaps it was some one else. I do not 
know who it was. But I believe that person 
came there to help us. I believe the words of 
that person. Come, Yellow Wolf, you are a 
great warrior, tell us how you feel about it.” 

“Yes, Yellow Wolf, you heard this thing, tell 
us about it, ’ 9 urged Painted Hawk. 

“My friends, I believe we must do what that 
person told us to do,” said Yellow Wolf. “I do 
not know who it was but I believe what Running 
151 


Spotted Deer 


Fox says is true. I believe that person came 
there to help us.” 

4 ‘Running Fox, you are a great war leader; 
Yellow Wolf, you are a great scout; we will lis- 
ten to your words,” said Painted Hawk. 

“It is good,” replied Running Fox. “Now I 
will tell you what I propose to do. Yellow W olf , 
you must lead us to that trail. Some of us will 
stay at the top. Some of us will go down and 
watch below. Two must watch. The rest must 
lie down and sleep. I will watch below. Yellow 
Wolf, you must watch at the top. If the Shaw- 
nees try to come up that trail, I will hear them. 
If Big Dog tries to go down that trail, Yellow 
Wolf will hear him. I will ask Painted Hawk 
and Turning Eagle to go with me. Crooked 
Foot and Dancing Owl must stay with Yellow 
Wolf.” 

Yellow Wolf led the way along the crest of 
the ridge until they came to the place where the 
steep, narrow trail wound down the hillside. 
Then they separated to carry out the instruc- 
tions of Running Fox. 

“If you hear the call of Gokhos three times, 
you will know that there is danger,” Running 
Fox explained as he departed down the hill- 
side. 

The Delawares took turns at watching 
through the night, but they neither saw nor 
152 


Waiting and Watching 


heard anything to alarm them. At daylight 
they met at the top of the ridge. Then Running 
F ox announced another important discovery. 

“My friends, when we were coming np here 
we found many tracks on that trail,” he said. 
‘ ‘ Yes, Spotted Deer went down there. We found 
his tracks.” 

“How do you know that,” Painted Hawk 
asked, curiously. 

“We saw some places where some one slid 
along , 9 9 said Running Fox. * 6 That person could 
not use his hands to hold himself hack. Then 
we said, ‘That person was a prisoner.’ Then 
we knew it was Spotted Deer.” 

Having passed the night without alarm, and 
discovered signs which seemed to prove that 
Spotted Deer had passed along the trail, the 
Delawares became less suspicious of the mys- 
terious stranger. It appeared as if her words 
had been verified. 

“I believe what that mysterious person told 
us is true,” said Turning Eagle. 

“Well, she did not send the Shawnees here,” 
said Running Fox. “Perhaps Big Dog will 
come. We must keep watching.” 

“Is Big Dog alone?” inquired Painted Hawk. 

“No,” said Running Fox. “Two warriors 
are with him. That mysterious person told us 
153 


Spotted Deer 


about them. They are Many Beavers and Strik- 
ing Bear. She says they are very brave.’ ’ 

“If she knows these things, she must be a 
Shawnee,” declared Crooked Foot. “If she is 
a Shawnee, I believe she is trying to fool us.” 

“I believe she knows these things because she 
is a great Medicine Person,” Running Fox told 
him. “If she is a Shawnee, how does she know 
about that signal? Spotted Deer did not tell 
the Shawnees about it. My brothers, I do not 
know who that strange person is, but I believe 
she is working against the Shawnees. I believe 
she is trying to help us.” 

His confidence quieted the suspicions of his 
friends. They, too, began to rely upon the aid 
of the mysterious stranger. Having discovered 
them near the village, it was evident that she 
had concealed the fact from the Shawnees. The 
Delawares took hope in the thought. 

“Well, we will wait here and see if her words 
come true,” said Yellow Wolf. 

“Yes, we will watch for Big Dog,” Running 
Fox told him. 


CHAPTER XV 

AN EASY VICTORY 

F OR some time the Delawares fixed their 
attention npon the Shawnee camp. They 
particularly noted the high log stockade 
which inclosed the village on three sides. The 
only approach was from the river. 

“That is a bad place to get into,” said Painted 
Hawk. 

The others nodded a solemn assent. They 
realized that the crafty Shawnees had made 
their village almost impregnable, and there 
seemed to be little chance of freeing Spotted 
Deer. 

“My friends, there is no use of feeling bad 
about this thing,” Running Fox told them. 
“We came here to help Spotted Deer. We must 
go through with it.” 

“How do you propose to do this thing?” 
Painted Hawk asked him. 

“I cannot tell you that until I find out about 
the Shawnee chief,” said Running Fox. 

At that moment their thoughts were diverted 
155 


An Easy Victory 


by the sudden appearance of three canoes. They 
had moved out from the shore and turned up the 
river. There were two paddlers in each canoe. 
The Delawares watched closely. 

“It is bad,” declared Painted Hawk. “Per- 
haps those warriors are going to meet their 
chief. Perhaps he will come to the camp in one 
of those canoes.” 

“No, I do not believe it,” Running Fox told 
him. “That mysterious person says that Big 
Dog will cross the ridge. Then he must be 
coming from the-place-where-the-sun-appears. 
Those Shawnees are going toward Lowan, the 
Cold Place.” 

“Yes, that is true,” said Yellow Wolf. “I do 
not believe they are going to meet Big Dog. I 
believe they are going up the river to hunt.” 

Somewhat relieved by the opinions of the two 
famous warriors, the little company of Dela- 
wares sought to banish the doubts which had 
entered their minds. They had great confidence 
in Running Fox and they believed he would 
find a way to overcome the difficulty. Their 
only fear was that he might have been deceived 
by the words of the stranger whom he had en- 
countered near the Shawnee camp. Running 
Fox, however, seemed confident that she was at- 
tempting to help them. 

They watched patiently through the day, but 
156 


An Easy Victory 


Big Dog and his friends failed to appear. Then 
as the evening shadows settled in the valley, 
they saw the three canoes returning to the camp. 
There were only two warriors in each canoe. 
The Delawares felt greatly relieved. 

“Well, Big Dog did not come with them,” 
said Painted Hawk. “See, Yellow Wolf, your 
words have come true.” 

The paddlers had come ashore, and were car- 
rying the carcass of a deer or an elk toward the 
camp. It was evident that they were hunters. 
Having entered the village, they were immedi- 
ately followed by a great company of people. 
They made a great commotion and the sounds 
of rejoicing reached the scouts on top of the 
ridge. 

i ‘ They have brought meat — the Shawnees feel 
good,” said Turning Eagle. 

Then as darkness closed down and the tires 
began to twinkle in the Shawnee camp, Run- 
ning Fox resolved to return to the base of the 
ridge. He hoped again to meet the mysterious 
stranger whom he had encountered the previ- 
ous night. This time, however, he determined 
to go alone. 

“My brothers, pretty soon I am going down 
there, ’ ’ he said. ‘ 6 Perhaps I will find that mys- 
terious person. Perhaps she will tell me some- 
thing different.” 


157 


Spotted Deer 


Each of his friends was eager to accompany 
him. He refused them and insisted upon going 
alone. 

“It is foolish to go down there alone / ’ 
Crooked Foot warned him. 4 4 Perhaps that per- 
son will bring some Shawnees to catch you.” 

“I will be cautious,” Running Fox assured 
him. 

A few moments afterward he departed upon 
his perilous mission. He reached the base of 
the ridge in safety, and stopped to search the 
wide stretch of barren ground that surrounded 
the camp. The sky was clear and cloudless, 
and Mauwallauwin had driven the night shadows 
far back into the depths of the forest. Running 
Fox realized that it would be folly to expose 
himself in the open. He moved along at the 
edge of the timber until he approached the spot 
where he had encountered the stranger. Then 
he stopped to listen. He waited a long time but 
the only sounds came from the camp. Still he 
determined to loiter. 

“Perhaps she will come,” he told himself. 

Then he heard something moving through the 
woods behind him. He fitted an arrow to his 
bow and listened sharply. The warning of 
Crooked Foot suddenly came to his mind. He 
realized that he was exposing himself to great 
peril. The thought made him as alert and 
158 


An Easy Victory 


watchful as Nianque, the lynx. Having sta- 
tioned himself in the shadows beneath a great 
spruce, he had little fear of being seen. The 
sound had ceased. Running Fox wondered if 
the prowler had become suspicious. Perhaps 
he, too, was listening. Then Running Fox heard 
the soft, querulous call of Gokhotit, the little 
red owl. It seemed within several bow-lengths 
of him. The signal thrilled him. He looked 
eagerly toward the sound but the caller was 
concealed in the darkness. Running Fox feared 
to reply. He listened anxiously for the sound 
of voices. The silence reassured him. It was 
evident that the caller was alone. Many mo- 
ments passed, and still he remained silent. 
Then the call was repeated. It was a perfect 
imitation and Running Fox admired the skill 
of the one who had given it. Then he answered 
it. The notes had barely died away before the 
same weird voice addressed him from the night. 

“You have come — it is good,” it said. “Are 
you alone?” 

For a moment Running Fox hesitated to re- 
ply. The question made him suspicious. His 
silence seemed to anger the stranger. 

“Come, come, do not be so cautious,” she 
said, irritably. “If you are afraid of me, run 
away like Muschgingus, the rabbit, and leave 
your brother to die.” 


159 


Spotted Deer 


The taunt roused his anger. He instantly ac- 
cepted the challenge. 

“Hi, woman, take care,’’ he said, warningly. 
“Those are had words to speak to a Delaware. 
Now listen to what I am going to tell you. I 
came here because I am not afraid of you. If 
you have something to tell me, speak. I will 
listen.” 

“It is good,” said the stranger. “I see that 
you are brave like your brother, Spotted Deer. 
Well, my son, I will not bring any harm upon 
you. I have come here to tell you something. 
Now listen to my words.” 

“Wait,” interrupted Running Fox. “Are 
you alone?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then go over there in that light place and 
sit down.” 

“No, no, I am going to stay here,” she in- 
sisted. 

Her caution dispelled the suspicions of Run- 
ning Fox. He realized that if she had intended 
to betray him into ambush she would have ac- 
cepted his offer. He began to feel secure. 

“Well, do as you like about it,” he said. 

“I have talked with your brother about you,” 
she told him. “Spotted Deer feels strong be- 
cause you are near. He says you will do some- 
thing big. Now you must listen to my words. 

160 


An Easy Victory 


Do not try to go into that camp. It is useless. 
If you go there you will surely die with Spotted 
Deer. There is only one thing to do. You must 
watch until Big Dog comes. Then you must kill 
him. You must also kill those two great war- 
riors. It will be a hard thing to do, but you 
must be strong. Then perhaps I will be able to 
get Spotted Deer out of the camp before the 
Shawnees kill him. There is not much time. 
They are talking bad against him. If Big Dog 
does not come into the camp before the third 
sun comes, I believe they will kill your brother. ,, 

‘‘Woman, you speak big words,’ ’ declared 
Running Fox. “I told my friends about them. 
They said, ‘Perhaps that person is a Shawnee. 
Perhaps she is trying to fool you.’ We have 
watched sharp. One sun has passed. Big Dog 
has not come.” 

“Listen, you Delaware,” she said, angrily. 
“If you do not believe my words, then shake 
them from your ears and go away. One sun has 
passed. Another will soon come. Before that 
sun goes away Big Dog will cross that ridge. 
He will come down that trail. Now I have told 
you about it. If I get Spotted Deer out of the 
camp I will send him up there on the ridge to 
look for you. Tell your friends that they are 
foolish to talk against me. Pretty soon they will 
161 


Spotted Deer 


see that I have done a big thing for them. Now 
I am going away.” 

‘ ‘Wait , ’ 9 nrged Running Fox. ‘ ‘ Tell me who 
you are ? Do you live in the Shawnee camp ? 9 9 

There was no response. Made reckless by his 
eagerness to learn the identity of his mysterious 
ally, he moved stealthily toward the spot where 
he had heard her. The maneuver was useless. 
She had gone. 

“Well, she must be a great Medicine Person,” 
Running Fox told himself. “I believe she will 
give me power to help Spotted Deer.” 

Encouraged by the thought, he hastened away 
to take her message to his friends. He had 
barely begun to climb when he heard the dogs 
barking furiously at the Shawnee camp. He 
stopped and listened uneasily. T^hen, as the 
racket ended as suddenly as it began, he won- 
dered if the strange Mystery Woman had en- 
tered the village. 

“My friends, I have talked w T ith that mysteri- 
ous person and nothing bad has happened to 
me , 9 9 Running Fox told his companions. “Now 
I know that she is trying to help us . 9 9 

“Tell us her words,” Painted Hawk said, 
eagerly. 

“She says that Spotted Deer knows about 
us,” Running Fox told them. “She says that 
he feels strong about it. She says that Big Dog 
162 


An Easy Victory 


and his brothers will cross this bridge before 
the next snn go.es away. She says we must stop 
them. She says if they get away, Spotted Dees 
must die. My brothers, I believe the words of 
that mysterious person. I believe she is a good 
friend.” 

“Do you know who she is?” inquired Painted 
Hawk. 

“ No, ” replied Running Fox. “ When I asked 
her about it she went away. I crept ahead to 
stop her. When I got there she was gone. It 
is mysterious. It must be that she is a great 
Medicine Person.” 

“Well, if she feels good toward us, perhaps 
she will give us power to do big things , 9 9 Dancing 
Owl suggested, hopefully. “Perhaps she will 
tell us how to get into the Shawnee camp . 9 9 

“No, I do not believe she will tell us how to 
do that , 9 9 said Running Fox. 6 ‘ She says it would 
be a foolish thing to do. She says we would be 
killed. She says we must catch Big Dog. Then 
she will try to get Spotted Deer away.” 

“Pretty soon we will see if her words come 
true,” said Turning Eagle. 

They again took turns at watching, but the 
night passed without incident. They became 
convinced that the Shawnees were ignorant of 
their presence on the ridge. It seemed certain, 
163 


Spotted Deer 


therefore, that the mysterious stranger had 
failed to betray them to their foes. 

“Well, my brothers, if that mysterious person 
did not tell the Shawnees about us she must be 
trying to help us,” said Painted Hawk. “I do 
not know what to make of it. I believe she must 
be a Medicine Person. Perhaps Getanittowit 
sent her here to do this thing.” 

As the sun rose above the eastern hills, the 
Delawares suddenly realized that the fate of 
Spotted Deer might be settled before it finally 
crossed the sky and disappeared into the west. 
The thought made them serious. If the words 
of their unknown ally proved true, they believed 
that the life of their friend depended upon their 
vigilance. If the Shawnee chief eluded them, 
they feared that Spotted Deer would die before 
the dawn of another day. Having learned that 
the chief and his companions were expected to 
approach from the east, they turned their at- 
tention to that side of the ridge. 

Then, as they waited for the appearance of 
their foes, Punning Fox began to study the pos- 
sibilities for saving Spotted Deer. A number 
of disquieting questions rose in his mind. Sup- 
pose they should kill Big Dog and his compan- 
ions, would the mysterious Medicine Person be 
able to delay the execution of Spotted Deer? 
He had strong doubts of it. She had warned 
164 


An Easy Victory 


him that the Shawnees were growing impatient. 
She believed that if Big Dog failed to arrive at 
the camp before another snn rose, the Shawnees 
would kill spotted Deer. The possibility tilled 
Running Fox with alarm. He suddenly deter- 
mined that it would be a blunder to kill the 
Shawnee chief. 

“See, my friends, the sun is high overhead / 9 
said Running Fox. “The day is passing. 
Pretty soon Big Dog and his friends will come. 
Yes, I believe we will see them before the sun 
goes away. Now I will give you some words. I 
feel different about this thing. I believe it 
would be foolish to kill Big Dog and his friends. 
We must catch them and keep them alive. It 
will be a hard thing to do but I believe it is the 
only way to save Spotted Deer. I am the leader. 
You must do as I tell you.” 

His companions turned to him in amazement. 
They wondered if their ears had deceived them. 
It seemed impossible that Running Fox could 
have arrived at such an astounding decision. 
They waited for an explanation. 

“My brothers, I see that my words sound bad 
in your ears,” he said. “It is because you do 
not know what I propose to do. I cannot tell 
you that, until we catch the Shawnee chief. Now 
I will tell you what you must do. I will ask Yel- 
low Wolf and Dancing Owl to stay over here 
165 


Spotted Deer 


with me. The rest of you must hide along the 
other side of the trail. Put away your bows. 
Keep your war clubs in your hands. If Big 
Dog and his friends walk between us, rush out 
and strike them down. Strike hard enough to 
make them sleep, but do not try to kill them. 
Then I will tell you what to do.” 

At that moment Dancing Owl placed his finger 
across his lips and pointed warningly down the 
eastern side of the ridge. The Delawares lis- 
tened in great suspense. Then they heard 
voices. Some one was climbing up the slope. 

“Hide yourselves!” whispered Running Fox. 

They separated, and concealed themselves on 
each side of the trail. They held their war clubs 
in their hands and watched anxiously for the 
appearance of the three Shawnee hunters. It 
was not long before they heard them close at 
hand. 

i 6 Get ready, ” Running Fox cautioned his com- 
panions. 

A moment later the Shawnees appeared. The 
Delawares were overjoyed to see each of their 
foes bowed beneath a heavy load of game. It 
was a severe handicap, and placed the Shawnees 
at a great disadvantage. They were panting 
heavily from their exertions in climbing the 
ridge. Having reached the top, they stopped 
and looked upon the camp. The Delawares 
166 


An Easy Victory 


waited in breathless suspense. They feared that 
at any moment the Shawnees might raise a shout 
to announce their return. As the possibility 
filled him with fear, Running Fox was tempted 
to drive his arrows through them. At that in- 
stant, however, the Shawnees turned and ap- 
proached the trail. 

The Delawares were well hidden, and they had 
little fear of being seen. The Shawnees showed 
no signs of suspicion. They came to the head 
of the trail and turned to follow it down the 
hillside. At that instant Running Fox gave the 
signal and the Delawares rushed from cover. 
The astounded Shawnees had little chance to de- 
fend themselves. Hampered by their heavy 
packs, they were attacked with a grim, silent 
ferocity that threw them into confusion. Be- 
fore they could rally they were struck down. 

i 6 Come, pull off these packs !” cried Running 
Fox, as he dropped to his knees beside his un- 
conscious foe and began untying the pack 
thongs. 

When the Shawnees regained consciousness 
some time later, they found themselves power- 
less. Their feet and hands were tightly bound 
with the rawhide thongs from the packs, and 
they were gagged with heavy pieces of buckskin 
which had been cut from their shirts. Unable 
to move or speak, they glared defiantly into the 
167 


Spotted Deer 


faces of the triumphant Delawares who stooped 
over them and laughed gleefully. Then they 
seized their helpless captives and carried them 
some distance along the ridge. 

‘ 4 It is good, ’ 7 laughed Turning Eagle. ‘ ‘ The 
mysterious — 77 

“Sh,” Running Fox cautioned, “the Shaw- 
nees have ears.” 

“Yes, yes, he cautious,” warned Yellow Wolf. 


CHAPTER XVI 


A DARING RUSE 

F OR some time the Delawares studied the 
prisoners in silence. Then Dancing Owl 
suddenly recognized one of them. He was 
one of the warriors who had captured him the 
year before. The hot-tempered young Delaware 
immediately began to taunt and tantalize his 
foe. 

“Well, Shawnee, I have caught you,” he 
laughed. “How do you feel about it? Do you 
know who I am? Yes, yes, I see that you are 
afraid of me. You were very fierce when you 
caught me. Perhaps I will kill you. Then we 
will see how brave you are.” 

His friends listened with delight. They 
laughed scornfully as the enraged Shawnee 
glared helplessly at his conqueror. Then they 
attempted to identify Big Dog, the Shawnee 
chief. Running Fox realized that unless he 
could learn which of the prisoners was Big Dog, 
it would be impossible to carry out the daring 
plan by which he hoped to rescue Spotted Deer. 
169 


Spotted Dee r 


He studied the Shawnees with great care. They 
seemed about of an age. All were men in the 
full prime of life. Two were of strong and 
muscular physique. The third was lithe and 
sinewy. The latter was the one whom Dancing 
Owl had recognized. All had the stern, fearless 
face and bold eyes of the seasoned warrior. As 
there was no distinction in dress or bearing, 
Running Fox found nothing to guide him to a de- 
cision. He resolved to consult his friends. 

“ Turning Eagle, stay here and watch / 9 he 
said. “Come, my brothers, follow me.” 

When they were safely beyond hearing of 
their foes, the five Delawares seated themselves 
to talk. 

“My brothers, we have done a good thing,” 
said Running Fox. ‘ i The words of that myste- 
rious Medicine Person have come true. She is 
a good friend. We must try to find out who she 
is. But first we must find out about Big Dog. 
I cannot go ahead with what I intend to do until 
I find out which one of those warriors is Big 
Dog. Do any of you know him?” 

His friends shook their heads. 

“Well, can any of you pick him out?” 

“Did the Medicine Person tell you how to 
know him?” inquired Painted Hawk. 

“No,” said Running Fox. “I was foolish. I 
did not ask about it.” 


170 


A Daring Ruse 


“It will be a hard thing to find out,” declared 
Crooked Foot. “I looked sharp at those war- 
riors but I cannot tell you what you wish to 
know.” 

“I do not believe that warrior I talked to is 
Big Dog,” said Dancing Owl. “He was not the 
leader of those warriors who caught me. A 
great chief is always the leader.” 

“Yes, yes, that is true,” agreed his compan- 
ions. “One of the others must be Big Dog.” 

Running Fox had already reached that con- 
clusion. He was glad to hear it indorsed by his 
friends. Still he realized that even with one of 
the warriors eliminated it would be quite as 
difficult to learn which of the others was Big 
Dog. Aware that a mistake might prove fatal, 
he resolved to do nothing until he became cer- 
tain of the identity of the Shawnee chief. 

“My friends, we must be sure about this 
thing,” he said. “Now I will tell you how to 
find out about it. Yellow Wolf, you speak 
Shawnee words. You must talk to those war- 
riors. Be sharp. Try to catch them.” 

“Yes, Yellow Wolf, you must try to fool 
them,” said Crooked Foot. 

“Well, I will see what I can do about it,” 
agreed Yellow Wolf. 

They rose and returned to the prisoners. 
The sun was dropping toward the western 

171 


Spotted Deer 


ridges. The day was far spent. Running Fox 
was impatient. He had planned to make his 
bold attempt to free Spotted Deer early in the 
night. He realized that there was little time to 
learn what he wished to know. He watched 
anxiously as Yellow Wolf approached the Shaw- 
nees and addressed them in their dialect. 

“Come, come, Big Dog, open your eyes,” he 
said, sharply, as he studied the faces of his 
foes. 

Two of the Shawnees glanced quickly at their 
companion. His face clouded with anger. Yel- 
low Wolf laughed and turned to Running Fox. 

“There is the great chief Big Dog,” he said, 
as he pointed toward the Shawnee who had been 
betrayed by his friends. 

“It is good,” declared Running Fox. 

As Turning Eagle continued to watch the 
prisoners, the other Delawares again withdrew 
to talk. Then Running Fox explained his plans. 

“Yellow Wolf, you are as sly as Sanquen, the 
weasel,” he laughed. “My brothers, Yellow 
Wolf found out what we wished to know. It is 
good. Now I will tell you what I propose to do. 
I am going to talk to those Shawnees. I am go- 
ing to tell them about Spotted Deer. I am going 
to tell them that they must help us. I am go- 
ing to ask one of those warriors to go to the 
Shawnee village with me. I am going to ask 
172 


A Daring Ruse 


him to talk to his people. When he gives them 
my words, I believe they will let Spotted Deer 
walk out.” 

“Running Fox, if you do this thing I believe 
you will surely be killed,” Painted Hawk de- 
clared, soberly. 

“That Shawnee will tell his people to kill 
you,” said Dancing Owl. 

“No, I do not believe it,” replied Running 
Fox. “Come, we will go and tell the Shawnees 
about it. You must listen sharp to my words.” 

When they reached the captives, Running Fox 
stooped and stared steadily into the face of Big 
Dog. The eyes of the Shawnee blazed with 
hate. The Delaware straightened and began to 
speak. 

“Big Dog, do you know the words of my peo- 
ple?” he asked. 

The Shawnee gave no sign that he understood. 
Running Fox felt sure that he was attempting 
to deceive. He waited some moments, and then 
he resumed speaking. 

“If you do not know my words there is no 
chance for you,” he said. “I have come here 
to give you a chance for your life. Now listen 
sharp to what I am about to tell you. Your 
people have caught my brother, Spotted Deer. 
He is tied up in your village. I believe your 
people are about to kill him. If they kill him 
173 


Spotted Deer 


yon must die. We have come here to take 
Spotted Deer away. You are a great chief. If 
yon speak to yonr people they will listen. Yon 
must tell them to let Spotted Deer go. If yon 
do that no harm will come to you. Come, be 
quick, give me a sign.” 

For several moments the Shawnee remained 
motionless., Then he glanced at his companions. 
His eyes questioned them. The Delawares 
watched closely. Would he yield? Their hopes 
died as the stern Shawnee chief stared defiantly 
at Running Fox. The latter still waited. He 
began to wonder if the Shawnee really under- 
stood his words. 

“Well, Shawnee, I see that we must kill you,” 
he said, finally. “Come, my brothers, the fool- 
ish Shawnees wish to die.” 

The Delawares drew their bows and advanced 
upon the captives. The latter gave no evidence 
of fear. Running Fox watched anxiously. He 
knew that unless he could force the Shawnees 
to agree to his terms there was slight chance of 
saving Spotted Deer. It was apparent, how- 
ever, that Big Dog and his companions intended 
to defy him. The thought suddenly roused him 
into a temper. His face grew dark with anger, 
and his eyes flashed dangerously. He jerked 
his bow into position and fitted an arrow. Then 
he drew back the bow-string and aimed the ar- 
174 


A Daring Ruse 


row at the heart of Big Dog. At that instant 
the chief slowly raised himself. Running Fox 
lowered his how. His eyes lighted with hope. 

“Well, Shawnee, I see that you wish to 
speak,” he said. “It is good. We will listen to 
your words. But first I will tell you something. 
If you try to call out when I take that thing 
away from your mouth I will shoot my arrow 
through you. Remember those words.” 

Big Dog nodded. Then Running Fox began 
to untie the buckskin gag. The other Shawnees 
watched with interest. It was some moments 
before Big Dog spoke. 

“I heard your words,” he said, brusquely. 

“Well, how do you feel about it!” inquired 
Running Fox. 

“I will do this thing,” said Big Dog. 

“It is good,” Running Fox told him. “Now 
you must listen sharp. I know about your 
brothers. They are Many Beavers and Striking 
Bear. Do they know my words ? ” 

“Many Beavers knows your words,” said 
Big Dog, as he exchanged glances with the war- 
rior beside him. 

“My brothers, let Many Beavers speak,” said 
Running Fox. 

Many Beavers sat up and the Delawares re- 
moved the gag from his mouth. Then Yellow 
Wolf drew his knife and sat close beside him. 
175 


Spotted Deer 

“If you try to call out I will kill you,” lie 
said. 

“Now, Shawnees, I will tell you how to keep 
your lives,” Running Fox told them. “I am 
going into your village with Many Beavers. 
He must carry the words of Big Dog to his peo- 
ple. He must tell them that Big Dog is a pris- 
oner. He must tell them that, if any harm comes 
to me, Big Dog will die. He must tell them that 
Big Dog says to let Spotted Deer walk away 
with me. He must tell them that if I do not take 
Spotted Deer to my people before the next sun 
comes, Big Dog and Striking Bear will die. 
You have heard my words. If you do this thing 
we will give you your lives. If anything bad 
comes of it you must die. I have finished. ” 

Running Fox ceased speaking and watched 
the Shawnees. For some moments they re- 
mained silent. They appeared to he studying 
his plan. At last Big Dog spoke. 

“What you propose to do is foolish,” he said. 
“If you go into my village with Many Beavers, 
my people will surely kill you. I am the only 
one who can save you. There is only one way 
to do this thing. You must go to the village 
with all three of us. Then no harm will come 
to you. Then I will tell my people to let your 
brother walk out. Delaware, I am a great chief. 
176 


A Daring Ruse 


I know about these things. I have told you the 
best way to do it.” 

“ Shawnee, I am laughing at you,” Running 
Fox told him. “Do you believe you can fool 
me with those words? No, I will not talk about 
them. I have told you how to keep your life. 
Now you must answer. Will you do as I tell 
you?” 

“Yes, I will go to the camp with you,” Big 
Dog replied, craftily. 

“Many Beavers will go with me,” Running 
Fox said, angrily. “You will stay here with 
Striking Bear until I bring back Spotted Deer. 
Come, I will not talk any more. Will you do 
this thing?” 

“Well, if you wish to throw away your life, I 
will not stop you,” laughed Big Dog. 


CHAPTER XVII 


SPOTTED DEER OBTAINS HIS FREEDOM 

A T the end of the day the Delawares noted 
sndden activity in the Shawnee camp. 
It convinced them that the Shawnees 
were preparing for some nnnsnal event. The 
village was brightly lighted by several great 
fires, and the people appeared to be gathering 
for an important ceremony. 

‘ ‘ It is bad, ’ ’ said Painted Hawk. * ‘ Something 
big is going on down there. Perhaps the Shaw- 
nees are about to kill Spotted Deer.” 

“Yes, it is bad,” agreed Crooked Foot. 
“Perhaps the Shawnees are getting ready for 
Big Dog,” suggested Dancing Owl. 

Running Fox offered no opinion. The sud- 
den bustle in the Shawnee camp had aroused 
his suspicions. He was unwilling to express the 
fears which had crept into his heart. 

“Come, Running Fox, what do you make of 
it?” Yellow Wolf asked him. 

“I believe Spotted Deer is in danger,” said 

178 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 

Eunning Fox. “ There is no time to spare. I 
must go.” 

He hurried to the Shawnee captives. Turn- 
ing Eagle was watching them. As Eunning Fox 
approached, Turning Eagle came to meet him. 

“Big Dog and Many Beavers have been talk- 
ing,” he said. 

Eunning Fox seemed unimpressed. He had 
slight doubt that the crafty Shawnees had dis- 
cussed the possibility of betraying him into the 
hands of their people. The thought caused him 
little anxiety. Having made it plain that his 
peril was their peril, he believed that they would 
heed the warning. 

“Many Beavers, I have some words for you,” 
he told the Shawnee. “I am going to untie you. 
I am going with you to the Shawnee camp. If 
any harm comes to me, Big Dog and Striking 
Bear will die. If I do not bring back Spotted 
Deer before another sun comes, then they must 
die. Now you know about it. If you let your 
people kill me, you will know that they are also 
killing your brothers. I have spoken . 9 9 

He stooped and freed Many Beavers. Then 
he ordered him to rise. The Shawnee obeyed. 
The Delawares watched suspiciously. They had 
serious misgivings about the outcome of the ad- 
venture. 

‘ ‘ My brothers, keep my words , 9 9 said Eunning 

179 


Spotted Deer 


Fox. “If I do not bring Spotted Deer here be- 
fore the next sun comes, then you must kill 
these Shawnees. Then you must go to our peo- 
ple and tell them that I have followed Spotted 
Deer on the Long Trail.” 

Then he disappeared into the night with 
Many Beavers. They followed the steep, haz- 
ardous trail toward the river. Mauwallauwin 
gave them light, but the way was difficult and 
dangerous. The Shawnee walked ahead. He 
was without weapons. Running Fox followed 
close behind him. He was armed with bow and 
arrows. They traveled in silence. When they 
reached the end of the trail, the Shawnee led the 
way across the open stretch of beach that led to 
the camp. 

As they finally drew near the village, they 
heard sounds which told them that a celebration 
of some sort was in progress. Running Fox 
grew anxious. He wondered if he had come too 
late to save Spotted Deer. A wild chorus of 
shouts rang through the night, and his courage 
weakened at the sound. The Shawnee suddenly 
stopped. Running Fox feared treachery. 

“Something big is happening,” Many Bea- 
vers told him. “I will go ahead and find out 
about it. Then I will come back and tell you 
about it.” 


180 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 

“No,” Running Fox said, sharply. “I will 
go with you . 9 9 

“ It is bad , 9 ’ the Shawnee warned him. 1 ‘ Per- 
haps my people are mad. If you go in there 
they may kill you.” 

“Big Dog and Striking Bear are on the 
ridge,” Running Fox reminded him, signifi- 
cantly. “I am not afraid. Go into the camp. I 
will follow you.” 

Aware that further words would be useless, 
the Shawnee moved rapidly toward the entrance 
to the camp. Running Fox followed boldly after 
him. A few moments later they entered the vil- 
lage. The Shawnees were gathered about a 
great fire. They suddenly subsided into silent 
amazement at sight of Many Beavers and his 
companion. Many Beavers walked directly to- 
ward them. 

“Keep close beside me,” he warned Running 
Fox. 

Once they had identified the Delaware, the 
Shawnees rushed toward him, calling out threat- 
eningly. Many Beavers held up his hand and 
called out in strong, commanding tones. The 
Shawnees became quiet. They crowded eagerly 
about the two warriors and began to speak ex- 
citedly to their tribesmen. Running Fox ig- 
nored them. He had suddenly discovered 
Spotted Deer tied to a stake near the fire. 

181 


Spotted Deer 


Everything else was forgotten. Spotted Deer 
was apparently unable to see him in the midst 
of the Shawnees. 

“He is alive — it is enough,” Running Fox 
murmured, thankfully. 

In the meantime several warriors whom he 
took to be chiefs had made their way to Many 
Beavers. They were talking earnestly and the 
Delaware believed that Many Beavers was giv- 
ing them the message from Big Dog. He 
watched closely. Many Beavers waved his arm 
toward the ridge. He was speaking seriously. 
The Shawnees showed interest. Then Many 
Beavers spoke to Running Fox. 

“This man is Walking Bear,” he said. “He 
is a great war leader. He will give you some 
words.” 

“Delaware, I see you have come to die with 
your brother, ’ ’ said the Shawnee. 

“Those words do not frighten me,” Running 
Fox replied, angrily. “Many Beavers has told 
you what brings me here. I will not talk about 
it. Your great chief, Big Dog, and your 
brother, Striking Bear, are with my people. Do 
you wish to see them 1 Then go over there and 
untie my brother. If we do not go back to that 
place, your brothers will die. I have finished.” 

“Hi, Delaware, you speak big words,” 
laughed the Shawnee leader. 

182 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 


At that moment a wild, hysterical laugh 
echoed through the camp. Then an old woman 
pushed her way through the crowd, and con- 
fronted Running Fox. She was a fieree-looking 
old creature. For a moment she stared search- 
ingly into his face. Then she turned and ad- 
dressed the Shawnees. Running Fox longed to 
know what she said. 

“My people, what I dreamed about has come 
true,” cried the old Mystery Woman. “Big 
Dog is in great danger. You must he careful 
what you do. Perhaps I can do something to 
save him. You must listen to my words and do 
as I tell you.” 

Her words filled Running Fox with excite- 
ment. He had suddenly recognized her voice. 
He felt sure that she was the mysterious Medi- 
cine Woman who had told him about Big Dog. 
He would have given much to have understood 
her words. The Shawnees were giving her seri- 
ous attention. Running Fox took hope. 

“She is talking against you,” Many Beavers 
said, treacherously. 

Running Fox betrayed no interest. He felt 
sure, however, that the strange old Medicine 
Woman would prove a valuable ally. Then 
Walking Bear, the Shawnee war leader, ap- 
proached Running Fox and attempted to take 
183 


Spotted Deer 

his bow. Running Fox drew back threaten- 
ingly. 

“Come, Delaware, give me that bow,” the 
Shawnee cried, angrily. 

When Running Fox refused, Walking Bear 
called to his people, and several warriors rushed 
forward and seized the Delaware. They took 
away his weapons and threw him to the ground. 
The Shawnees crowded forward to attack him, 
but Many Beavers and the war leader held 
them back. Then they tied his hands behind 
him and permitted him to rise. Running Fox 
remained calm. He smiled scornfully as the 
Shawnees led him toward the tire. 

“My brother, I see that the Shawnees have 
caught you,” Spotted Deer said, sadly. “It is 
bad. I am to blame for this. I have brought 
you here to die.” 

“No, my brother, we will not die,” Running 
Fox assured him. “I have come here to take 
you away.” 

“How can you do that?” Spotted Deer asked, 
with surprise. 

“Watch and listen,” said Running Fox. 

Many Beavers was talking to the Shawnee 
leaders. In a few moments he accompanied 
them to a big lodge near the center of the camp. 
Most of the Shawnees followed them. A num- 
ber of warriors, however, seated themselves near 
184 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 


the Delawares. The latter had little doubt that 
the Shawnees had gone to hold a council. 

“ Pretty soon they will let us walk out,” Run- 
ning Fox said, confidently. 

The warriors who were guarding them made 
it plain that they did not wish them to talk. As 
the Delawares realized that it might be danger- 
ous to defy them, they became quiet. Then they 
waited anxiously for the Shawnees to come 
from the lodge. Several times they heard the 
voice of the old Mystery Woman. Each of the 
Delawares longed to tell his friend about her, 
but feared that the Shawnees who were on guard 
might understand. 

The night w^as half gone when the Shawnees 
finally came from the council lodge. They 
moved silently toward the fire, and seated them- 
selves in a great circle about the Delawares. 
Then Many Beavers and Walking Bear ap- 
proached Running Fox. Walking Bear began 
to speak. 

“ Delawares, listen to my words,” he said. 
“You have asked us to do a big thing. You are 
a Delaware. The Delawares are our enemies. 
The words of our enemies are bad. If we do as 
you tell us you will go back and kill our broth- 
ers. No, Delaware, the Shawnees are not so 
foolish. Now I will tell you what our people 
propose to do. You must go back and bring 
185 


Spotted Deer 


Big Dog and Striking Bear to the river. Then 
you must make the call of Gokhos, the owl. 
Then we will send some warriors and your 
brother out there to meet you. Then we will 
let our brother walk away with you. Then Big 
Dog and Striking Bear will come to the camp. 
It is the only way to save yourself.” 

“It is useless,” said Running Fox. “I see 
what you are trying to do. You cannot catch 
us so easy. I have given you my words. A 
Delaware will carry out what he proposes to do. 
If you let my brother walk out with me, your 
chief and Striking Bear will come back to you. 
If you do not do this thing, they will die when 
the next sun appears. There is no use of talk- 
ing any more about it. The night is half gone. 
That ridge is a long ways off. There is little 
time. Tell me what you propose to do.” 

“Yes, Delaware, I will tell you!” Walking 
Bear shouted, furiously. “I intend to kill you. 
Then I will lead a war party to kill your friends 
on that ridge. That is what I propose to do.” 

He turned and began a fiery speech to his 
people. His words brought them to their feet, 
and roused them into a passion. As he contin- 
ued speaking, they began to cry out and shake 
their fists at the Delawares. It was evident that 
the Shawnee war leader was deliberately in- 
citing them to scorn the warning of Many 
186 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 

Beavers and take vengeance upon their foes. 
As he finished talking, most of the warriors ran 
to the lodges and returned with their weapons. 
Then they formed a circle about the Delawares. 
Running Fox was seized and bound to the stake 
with Spotted Deer. 

“Listen, you great war leader ,’ 9 Running Fox 
called out, sarcastically. “I know that you are 
trying to frighten me. I am laughing at you. 
You are afraid to kill me. You have heard the 
words of your brother, Many Beavers. Now 
I will tell you that whatever your people do to 
us, we will do to your brothers. Now do as you 
feel like doing. ’ 

At that moment Many Beavers began to 
speak. His voice was low and calm and it was 
apparent that he was attempting to pacify the 
Shawnees. However, as Walking Bear had 
thoroughly aroused them, the words of Many 
Beavers seemed to have little effect. 

The warriors had already begun to circle 
about the stake, and as Spotted Deer had passed 
through two similar ordeals he knew what to ex- 
pect. This time, however, he feared that the 
excited Shawnees might actually take his life. 
Running Fox, too, was beginning to feel less 
confident. The Shawnees were apparently rely- 
ing upon some wily stratagem to save their 
tribesmen while they seemed determined to kill 
187 


Spotted Deer 


their foes. Running Fox wondered if a war 
party had secretly left the camp. The thought 
tilled him with alarm. 

Then as the warriors began to dance about 
the stake and brandish their weapons, the old 
Mystery Woman suddenly appeared before the 
Shawnees. She looked like one demented. Her 
eyes were wild and staring, her wrinkled yellow 
face was drawn with emotion and her short, 
white locks were rumpled in wild disorder. She 
pointed a bony arm at the Shawnees and began 
to shout wildly. The dancers stopped to listen. 
The Shawnees looked upon her in superstitious 
awe. 

“ Shawnees, Shawnees, Shawnees!” she 
screamed. ‘ ‘Think what you are about to do. 
You are about to throw away the life of Big 
Dog. You are about to throw away the life of 
the great warrior, Striking Bear. What will 
those great men think about you? I saw this 
thing in a dream. I told you about it. You 
wiped away my words. Now you are about to 
bring many bad days upon us. There is only 
one way to do. You must do as Many Beavers 
tells you to do. There is no other way. Big 
Dog is depending upon you. Striking Bear is 
depending upon you. They are saying, ‘We are 
Shawnees. It is good. The Shawnees will not 
throw us away.’ Are you going to give them to 
188 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 


our enemies, the boastful Delawares? Are you 
going to let those people say, ‘See how brave 
we are; we killed the great chief, Big Dog. 
The Shawnees were not sharp enough to save 
him. 1 How will you feel about that? You saw 
me try to kill that boastful young Delaware. 
Now I am glad I did not do it. If that foolish 
young warrior was not here, we could not save 
Big Dog. Are two Delaware boys worth as 
much as two great Shawnee warriors? No, no, 
no ! Let them walk away. You call me a great 
Mystery Woman. Then listen to my words. 
Time is short. Let them run to that ridge and 
save our brothers. I know about this thing. It 
is good. They will do as they propose to do. I 
have made their hearts good to do this thing. It 
is the only way I can save Big Dog. Shawnees, 
you must listen to my words. ” 

The Delawares felt sure she was speaking in 
their behalf. They believed that she had won 
the confidence of the Shawnees. They had be- 
gun to talk seriously among themselves. Many 
Beavers and the war leaders had called the war- 
riors about them. The wild ceremony at the fire 
had suddenly come to an end. For the moment 
the Delawares were left alone. The old Mys- 
tery Woman rushed over to them and shook her 
finger in the face of Running Fox. She twisted 
189 


Spotted Deer 


her face into an ugly snarl, but her words were 
low and friendly. 

“If you get away you must send those Shaw- 
nees to the camp , 9 9 she said. < ‘ If you harm them 
I must die.” 

“I will send them,” Running Fox promised 
her. “Be quick, tell me who you are.” 

“He knows,” she murmured, as she rushed 
upon Spotted Deer and pretended to claw at his 
eyes. 

Then Many Beavers and the war leader ap- 
proached, and she hurried away. For some 
moments the Shawnees stared sullenly upon 
their foes. Then Walking Bear stepped for- 
ward and freed the Delawares from the stake. 
He showed no inclination to unbind their hands. 

“Delawares, we will let you walk away,” he 
said. “We will see if a Delaware will do as he 
proposes to do. If you kill Big Dog and Strik- 
ing Bear, we will surely come and wipe away 
your people. Go, and send our brothers.” 

“Untie my hands, ’ 9 Running Fox commanded, 
fiercely. 

“No,” said Walking Bear. 

“Then I will wait here and let your brothers 
die,” said Running Fox. 

“Come, come, untie his hands — there is little 
time,” Many Beavers said, irritably. 

He called a young warrior to free the Dela- 
190 


Spotted Deer Obtains His Freedom 


wares. Then he motioned for them to go. 

“Wait,” said Running Fox. “I came here 
with a bow and some good arrows. I will take 
them away.” 

“Yes, I, too, had a good bow and some ar- 
rows and a good robe,” declared Spotted Deer. 
“Yon must give them to me.” 

The Shawnees finally returned the weapons 
but refused to surrender the robe. The Dela- 
wares realized that it might be perilous to in- 
sist upon its return. They walked slowly to- 
ward the end of the camp while the Shawnees 
taunted and threatened, but made no attempt 
to harm them. 

“Shawnees, listen to my words,” Running 
Fox cried out, as he turned at the end of the vil- 
lage. “You are sharp. Perhaps you will try 
to do something. If you follow us, your chief 
will never come back.” 

The next moment the Delawares disappeared 
into the night. 


CHAPTER XVin 


SHAWNEE TREACHERY 

O NCE outside of the camp the Delawares 
hurried toward the timber at top speed. 
They were fearful, and suspicious of the 
Shawnees, as they believed that a large war 
party might set out to follow them to the ridge. 

“We must watch out, the Shawnees are sly , 9 9 
warned Running Fox. 

“Yes, yes,” agreed Spotted Deer. 

“Do you know about that old Medicine 
Woman?” Running Fox inquired. 

“Yes, I know about her,” Spotted Deer told 
him. 

“Who is she?” Running Fox asked, eagerly. 
“She is White Crane — she is a Minsi,” said 
Spotted Deer. 

Running Fox immediately stopped. He 
turned excitedly to Spotted Deer. 

“Then she is one of our people!” he cried. 
“Yes,” replied Spotted Deer. 

“We must help her,” said Running Fox. 

192 


Shawnee Treachery 


“Come, we are Delawares. We will go back 
there and take her away.” 

“No, it would be useless ,’ 9 Spotted Deer told 
him. 1 i She will not go. I talked with her about 
it. She says she has been there a long time. 
The Shawnees believe she is a great Medicine 
Person. They listen to her words. She has 
everything good. She is very old. She says 
she cannot travel. She says she wants to die 
in the Shawnee camp.” 

“Well, then, we must leave her,” agreed Pun- 
ning Fox. 

As they moved across the long stretch of open 
ground they kept sharp watch behind them. The 
moonlight made it possible to see for a consider- 
able distance, and they expected at any moment 
to discover a company of Shawnees following 
rapidly on their trail. They heard a bedlam of 
confused sounds from the camp, and had little 
doubt that the Shawnees were gathered in noisy 
council to plan some wily stratagem which might 
turn their chagrin into joy. 

“I believe it will be hard to get away from 
those people,” Punning Fox said, uneasily. 
“They are very mad because we fooled them. 
I believe they will try to catch us.” 

Spotted Deer struggled along in silence. His 
limbs were stiff and swollen as the result of the 
tight binding to which he had been subjected in 
193 


Spotted Deer 


the Shawnee camp. Each stride caused him 
agony, but he made no mention of his suffering. 
Several times, however, he lurched against Run- 
ning Fox, and at last the latter guessed that 
something was wrong. 

“Hi, I see you are falling around,” he said 
anxiously. “Did the Shawnees hurt you?” 

“It is my legs,” Spotted Deer said, lightly. 
“The Shawnees gave me the legs of an old 
man. ’ ’ 

Running Fox grew thoughtful. He under- 
stood the plight of his friend, and it filled him 
with alarm. He feared that Spotted Deer might 
be unable to make the long, swift journey to the 
Delaware camp. Spotted Deer seemed to have 
guessed his thoughts. 

“Do not be afraid,” he said. “I will keep 
going.” 

“You are brave,” said Running Fox. 

They were nearing the timber along the base 
of the ridge when they suddenly heard the 
shrill, piercing scream of Nianque, the lynx. It 
seemed to have come from the camp. They 
stopped to listen. It filled them with dread. 

“It is the signal of the Shawnees,” Spotted 
Deer said, softly. “I heard it when I was com- 
ing down the river.” 

“It means something bad,” declared Running 
Fox. ‘ ‘ Come, we will get into the woods. ’ 9 
194 


Shawnee Treachery 


“Perhaps some Shawnees are hiding over 
there, ” suggested Spotted Deer. 

“Yes,” said Running Fox. “We must be cau- 
tious.” 

They reached the timber in safety, and moved 
cautiously along the bottom of the ridge. The 
night was far gone and there was little time to 
spare. Running Fox knew that unless he 
reached his friends before sunrise, they would 
surely kill Big Dog and his companion. Hav- 
ing given his word to the old Mystery Woman, 
Running Fox was determined to save them. He 
decided, therefore, that the Shawnee trail would 
offer the quickest and easiest way to reach the 
top of the ridge. 

“Did you come along here?” he asked 
Spotted Deer, as they began to climb. 

“Yes,” said Spotted Deer. “My hands were 
tied and I had a hard time of it.” 

“We found your marks,” Running Fox told 
him. “Did the old Mystery Woman tell you 
about us?” 

“Yes,” said Spotted Deer. “She told me you 
came here to help me. Running Fox, it was a 
great thing to do. You are a brave warrior and 
a good friend. You risked your life to help me. 
It makes me feel big. I will think about it when 
I am an old man. When the Mystery Woman 
told mei about you I felt very strong. I said, 
195 


Spotted Deer 


‘Running Fox will get me out of this/ Now 
you have done it . 9 9 

“Spotted Deer, you are my brother — it is 
enough / 9 said Running Fox. 

Dawn was showing in the east when they fi- 
nally neared the end of the trail. Running Fox 
stopped and imitated the bark of Woakus, the 
fox. He expected an immediate response. It 
failed to come. He listened uneasily. The si- 
lence aroused his suspicions. In a few moments 
he repeated the signal. Many moments passed. 
The baffling silence continued. 

“It is mysterious / 9 he whispered. 

“Are our people here 1 ?” Spotted Deer asked, 
anxiously. 

“Yes, they were close by,” Running Fox as- 
sured him. 

Fear had suddenly gripped his heart. He 
was perplexed and startled by the strange si- 
lence of his comrades. It suggested alarming 
possibilities. Perhaps the Shawnees had es- 
caped. It seemed impossible. Perhaps a com- 
pany of Shawnees had found and overpowered 
Yellow Wolf and his companions. His courage 
weakened at the thought. 

“Something bad has happened,” he told 
Spotted Deer. “We must watch out.” 

“Listen,” whispered Spotted Deer. 

A twig had snapped somewhere in the under- 
196 


Shawnee 'Treachery 


growth beside the trail. They fitted arrows to 
their bows, and looked expectantly into the 
shadows. The woods were still dark, and it was 
impossible to see into the cover. They listened 
in trying suspense. Then they heard the low, 
plaintive notes of the little white-throated spar- 
row. It was close at hand. Eunning Fox took 
hope. 

“It must be Yellow Wolf; that is his signal/ ’ 
he said. 

“Be cautious,” Spotted Deer warned him. 

Eunning Fox imitated the song. It had barely 
died away before they heard a familiar voice 
from the edge of the woods. 

“Eunning Fox?” it queried, softly. 

“I am here,” replied Eunning Fox. 

A moment afterward Yellow Wolf stood be- 
side them. He grasped the hand of Spotted 
Deer. Then he led the way into the woods. 
They followed him in silence. He took them to 
the spot where Eunning Fox had left the prison- 
ers. There was no one there. 

“What has happened?” Eunning Fox asked, 
in alarm. 

“Everything is good,” Yellow Wolf assured 
him. “Come.” 

He led them a considerable distance farther 
along the ridge, where they found Turning 
Eagle and the Shawnee prisoners. Painted 
197 


Spotted Deer 

Hawk and Crooked Foot and Dancing Owl were 
missing. 

* ‘ Where are our br others ?” Running Fox 
asked, in surprise. 

Yellow Wolf moved his finger across his lips, 
and turned his eyes toward the Shawnees. Then 
he moved away, and Running Fox and Spotted 
Deer followed him. He went well beyond ear- 
shot of the prisoners before he began to speak. 

‘ ‘ Now I will tell you about it , 9 9 he said. 6 1 Our 
brothers have gone to watch along the ridge. 
We believe the Shawnees are trying to find us. 
It is bad. We must get away from here.” 

“Did you hear anything?” inquired Running 
Fox. 

“Yes,” replied Yellow Wolf. “First we 
heard the call of Gokhos, the owl. It was down 
there on the side of the ridge. It sounded 
good. Then we saw Big Dog raise his head and 
look around. He did not know we were watch- 
ing him. That made us cautious. Pretty soon 
we heard the call of Gokhos again. It was in 
a different place. It did not sound like it 
sounded before. Then we were afraid. Some 
of us went to watch. Then we heard the call 
of Woakus, the fox. We said, ‘ Running Fox is 
coming. Perhaps he will meet the Shawnees. 
We must be ready to help him.’ You did not 
come. Then we heard the call of Woakus again. 
198 


Shawnee Treachery 


It was not so close. Then we said, ‘ Running 
Fox did not make it.* Then we went to watch. 
I went to that trail. When I heard that call I 
was not sure about it. That is why I did not 
answer you. Now you know why we left that 
place, and came over here. We did it to fool 
the Shawnees.” 

“Well, Yellow Wolf, there is only one thing 
to do,” Punning Fox told him. “We must call 
our brothers and get away as fast as we can.” 

“It is good,” replied Yellow Wolf. “Now 
we will kill those boastful Shawnees.” 

“No,” Eunning Fox said, firmly. “We will 
let them walk away.” 

“Does a Delaware let his enemies walk 
away?” Yellow Wolf asked, in amazement. 

“A Delaware does what he tells a friend he 
will do,” declared Eunning Fox. “A good 
friend helped us to save Spotted Deer. If we 
do not let the Shawnees go, much harm may 
come upon that friend. Perhaps she will be 
killed. I have told her we will let the great 
chief Big Dog go to his people. We have found 
our brother Spotted Deer. It is what we set 
out to do. Getanittowit sent the Mystery 
Woman into that camp to help us. She has 
done a big thing. Now we must listen to her 
words. She says if Big Dog does not come back 
it will be bad for her. Perhaps the Shawnees 
199 


Spotted Deer 


will kill her. She is a Minsi. Some time I will 
tell you about her. She has given Spotted Deer 
to his brothers. It is a great thing to do. The 
Shawnees must live.” 

“You are the leader, ” Yellow Wolf said, 
loyally. “We will listen to your words.” 

Then they were joined by Painted Hawk and 
Dancing Owl. The scouts had returned to the 
rendezvous to learn if Punning Fox had re- 
turned. They were overjoyed to find Spotted 
Deer. 

“It is good,” cried Dancing Owl. “You 
helped Running Fox to take me away from the 
Shawnees. Now I have helped Running Fox 
take you away from the Shawnees. Hi, it is 
good. Now I am going over there to kill that 
Shawnee who tied me up.” 

“No,” said Running Fox. “We must let him 
walk away. The old Mystery Woman tells us 
to do this thing. She is a good friend. We 
must listen to her words . 9 9 

“Well, I will close my ears to her words,” 
Dancing Owl said, savagely. “That Shawnee is 
my enemy. He tried to kill me. He talked bad 
against me. I am a Delaware. A Delaware 
does not let his enemies slip away. I am going 
to kill him.” 

“No,” Running Fox said, quietly. “I have 

200 


Shawnee Treachery 

told you what I propose to do. I am the 
leader.” 

Dancing Owl stared threateningly into the 
eyes of his friend. His heart burned with a 
desire to avenge the insults and injuries which 
he had received at the hands of the Shawnees 
the year previous. He had determined to fully 
retaliate upon the hated enemy whom fate had 
placed in his power. Now Running Fox refused 
him his opportunity. For a moment Dancing 
Owl rebelled against the authority of his leader. 
Then he suddenly recalled that Running Fox 
had saved his life. Gratitude instantly drove 
the anger from his heart. 

“ Running Fox, I will listen to your words,” 
he said. 

“Come, we are losing time,” Running Fox 
said, impatiently. “We must leave these Shaw- 
nees and hurry away. Where is Crooked 
Foot?” 

When they returned to Turning Eagle and 
the prisoners, they found that Crooked Foot was 
still missing. His absence made them uneasy. 
Day had dawned, and the first hint of sunrise 
was showing above the hills. They realized that 
it would be dangerous to loiter. 

“Come, Yellow Wolf, call Crooked Foot,”' 
said Running Fox. 

He had barely uttered the words when 
201 


Spotted Deer 


Crooked Foot appeared. He, too, was filled 
with joy at the sight of Spotted Deer. After 
he had greeted him, he called Running Fox and 
Yellow Wolf and led them away to talk. 

“We must go away fast,” he told them. “I 
believe a big war party is coming to catch us. 
There is little time.” 

“Did you see them?” Running Fox asked, 
anxiously. 

“No, I did not see them but I heard many 
signals,” Crooked Foot told him. 

“It is enough — we must go,” said Running 
Fox. 

When they returned to their companions, they 
found Dancing Owl crouching above the Shaw- 
nee and threatening to drive his knife into his 
heart. He rose as Running Fox hurried for- 
ward, and laughed mischievously. Running Fox 
went to the Shawnee chief, and commanded him 
to sit up. Big Dog obeyed. Then Running Fox 
addressed him. 

“Big Dog, listen to my words,” he said. “I 
am about to give you your life. I am doing this 
thing because I went to your village and took 
my brother from your people. If your people 
had killed my brother, I would have killed you. 
I told them I would let you go. I am a Dela- 
ware. A Delaware makes his words come true. 
Now listen close. I am about to take that thing 
202 


Shawnee Treachery 


out of your mouth. Then I am going away. If 
you shout out before I am far away, I will come 
back and kill you. If you keep quiet a long time, 
you will live to see your brothers. Yes, I be- 
lieve they will find you. Keep my words.” 

Running Fox stooped and untied the buck- 
skin gag. Then the other Shawnee sat up. 
Running Fox laughed fiercely. 

“ Striking Bear, I will leave you as you are,” 
he said. “You did many bad things to my 
brother. He wants to kill you. If you know my 
words, listen sharp. Take care what you do if 
you wish to live.” 

“Come, Delaware, untie my hands and give 
me my weapons,” Big Dog cried, angrily. 

“Wait for your brothers,” laughed Running 
Fox. “But do not try to call them. Remem- 
ber what I have told you.” 

The Delawares left the enraged Shawnees and 
hurried down the eastern slope of the ridge. 
They felt quite certain that the sly Shawnee 
chief would lose little time in calling his tribes- 
men. They were barely half-way down the ridge 
when they heard him shouting. 

“I would like to go back and kill that Shaw- 
nee,” said Dancing Owl. 

“It would be foolish,” Running Fox told him. 
“I believe his friends are close by. Perhaps 
they would catch you. We have done what we 
203 


Spotted Deer 


came to do. Now we must try to get back to 
our people before something bad happens to 
us.” 

“Yes, my brothers, we must keep going,” de- 
clared Crooked Foot. “I believe the Shawnees 
will try hard to turn us back.” 

The reckless scramble down the rough hill- 
side was a severe ordeal for Spotted Deer. 
The slope was strewn with bowlders and tree 
trunks, and a dense tangle of brush and vines 
concealed the pitfalls. Spotted Deer stumbled 
painfully over the obstructions, striving heroic- 
ally to conceal his agony. Running Fox, how- 
ever, was keenly aware of his suffering. 

“You are very brave,” he said. “Can you 
keep going?” 

“Yes,” Spotted Deer replied, grimly. 

They had finished the descent and w T ere fight- 
ing their way through a heavy thicket of laurel 
when they suddenly heard the cry of Nianque, 
the lynx. It sounded behind them, and seemed 
to come from the top of the ridge. 

“The Shawnees have found Big Dog,” said 
Turning Eagle. 

“Perhaps they are telling their friends about 
us,” Yellow Wolf suggested, suspiciously. 

“Yes, I believe there is some one down here,” 
declared Running Fox. “We must watch 
sharp.” 


204 


Shawnee Treachery 


He wondered if a war party of Shawnees had 
slipped from the camp during the night, and 
turned eastward to intercept the Delawares 
when they left the ridge. The possibility caused 
him great uneasiness. He knew that if a large 
company of Shawnees were scouting about the 
vicinity it would be difficult to avoid them. 
Then the lynx cry was repeated on their right. 

“It is bad,” said Crooked Foot. “We are 
running into a trap.” 

“The Shawnees are trying to get ahead of 
us,” declared Painted Hawk. “If they turn us 
back their friends will come up behind us.” 

“We will watch out,” said Running Fox. 

They advanced more cautiously. Convinced 
that a force of their foes was somewhere in the 
vicinity, they feared blundering into an ambush. 
Running Fox believed that the Shawnees had 
separated into several companies, and he real- 
ized that it would be difficult to avoid them. 
The day passed without an encounter, however, 
and as darkness fell the Delawares felt encour- 
aged. They had reached the wooded ravine 
where they had spent a night on their way to 
the Shawnee village. Fearful that Spotted Deer 
would be unable to continue traveling through 
the night, Running Fox determined to remain 
there until daylight. 

“We have seen nothing of the Shawnees,” he 

205 


Spotted Deer 

said. “We have come fast. We will rest here 
until it gets light.” 

“No, no,” cried Spotted Deer. “Running 
Fox, I see that you are trying to make it easy 
for me. I will not listen to your words. We 
must keep going. If we stop here, the Shawnees 
will come up with us. Perhaps some of you will 
he killed. Come, my friends, listen to my words. 
I will keep going.” 

“Spotted Deer, you are a great warrior,” 
Running Fox told him. “You are as strong as 
Machque, the bear, and as brave as fierce Quen- 
ischquney, the panther. ’ ’ 

“Listen,” cautioned Yellow Wolf. 

The call of Gokhos, the owl, sounded a short 
distance away. It carried a sinister warning 
to the Delawares. Their mad flight seemed to 
have been in vain. The Shawnees were close 
behind them. There was not a moment to lose. 

“Come!” cried Spotted Deer. 

“Yes, we must go,” agreed Running Fox. 


CHAPTER XIX 


SURROUNDED 

F OR two days the Delawares traveled cau- 
tiously through the woods without seeing 
or hearing anything of their foes. They 
had little doubt that the Shawnees had turned 
back. Running Fox was elated at his success. 

“It is good,” he said. “We have done what 
we set out to do. Nothing bad has happened 
to us. We have fooled our enemies. Spotted 
Deer is alive. My heart feels big.” 

“Running Fox, you are a good leader,” Yel- 
low Wolf told him. 

They were less than a day’s journey from the 
great river which flowed past the Delaware 
camp, and they believed that their peril had 
passed. Before the end of another day they 
hoped to be with their people. They knew that 
a splendid welcome awaited them, and the 
thought made them eager to reach the camp 
without delay. They hastened along, unmind- 
ful of their fatigue. 

The day was nearing its close, and they had 
207 


Spotted Deer 


stopped for a few moments on the crest of a 
low, barren ridge to rest, when they suddenly 
heard a loud, ringing shout within bow-range of 
them. Before they could recover from their 
amazement several arrows sped over their 
heads. 

“Run, run!” shouted Running Fox, as he led 
the way down the ridge. 

They dashed madly down the slope, and 
turned toward a dense spruce swamp that began 
a short distance from the base of the ridge. 
Wild shouts behind them gave warning that 
they were being hotly pursued. Running Fox 
looked back and saw a strong company of war- 
riors scrambling recklessly down the rocky hill- 
side. One glance was sufficient to recognize 
them. 

4 4 The Mohawks ! The Mohawks ! ” he cried in 
alarm. 

The warning struck fear to the hearts of his 
companions. They knew the fate that awaited 
them at the hands of those fierce foes, and they 
fled before them like frightened deer. They 
gained the edge of the swamp, and rushed wildly 
into its gloomy depths. They went a consider- 
able distance before they dared to stop. Then 
they took shelter behind a barricade of fallen 
trees, and waited anxiously for the appearance 
of their foes. The shouts had ceased at the bor- 
208 


Surrounded 


der of the swamp, and the silence increased their 
fears. 

“They are creeping ahead to find ns,” 
Painted Hawk whispered. 

“Well, we can make a good fight here,” Ban- 
ning Fox said, boldly. 

The twilight shadows had already fallen in 
the great forest of spruces, and the Delawares 
knew that it would soon be dark. The thought 
gave them hope. Unless the Mohawks tracked 
them directly to their hiding place, they believed 
that the night might save them from discovery. 
They waited in trying suspense, expecting each 
moment to see the dim, shadowy forms of the 
Mohawks approaching between the trees. As 
time passed and they failed to appear, the Dela- 
wares began to wonder if they really had 
stopped at the border of the swamp. 

“Perhaps they are afraid to follow us into 
this place,” said Painted Hawk. 

“Perhaps they went the other way,” Dancing 
Owl suggested, hopefully. 

“My brothers, I believe they are outside,” 
Punning Fox told them. “They know we are 
Delawares. They are cautious. Once we fooled 
them when they were coming to our camp. Per- 
haps they took us for scouts. Perhaps they 
believe we are trying to lead them into a trap. 
209 


Spotted Deer 

See, it is almost dark. Pretty soon we will be 
safe.” 

His words encouraged bis friends. Having 
escaped from the sudden attack, they believed 
that for the moment at least, they were safe. 
They began to wonder how the Mohawks had 
chanced to be in the vicinity. 

“ I believe it is a war party,” said Running 
Fox. 

“Perhaps they are going to fight our peo- 
ple,” Turning Eagle said, uneasily. 

“No, I do not believe it,” Running Fox told 
him. “They are too far from the river. I be- 
lieve they are going to fight the Shawnees. I 
believe those warriors went back and told their 
people how the Shawnees took away their ca- 
noes. Then I believe they made up a war party 
and came out to fight the Shawnees.” 

“Yes, I believe that is true,” declared 
Crooked Foot. “I believe they were going to 
find the Shawnees, and then we came along.” 

“Well, if that is so, perhaps they will not try 
to find us,” said Dancing Owl. 

“My brothers, I have heard you all talking 
about this thing,” said Yellow Wolf. “Now I 
will tell you how I feel about it. I believe what 
Running Fox says is true. But I also believe 
that we are in great danger. The Mohawks are 
our enemies. Running Fox and Spotted Deer 
210 


Surrounded 


have carried away their great Medicine Bundle. 
Running Fox has killed their great chief, Stand- 
ing Wolf. They are thinking about those 
things. I believe they would like to kill us in- 
stead of the Shawnees. Yes, I believe they will 
try to find us.” 

The Delawares gave silent endorsement to his 
words. They believed that they were in greater 
peril from the Mohawks than they had been 
from the Shawnees. They had greater respect 
for the courage and ability of the former, and 
they knew that if the Mohawks really made a 
persistent effort to capture them, it would be 
far more difficult to escape. 

“Hi, what I was afraid of has happened,” 
said Yellow Wolf. 

The deep, solemn tones of the great-horned 
owl had sounded from the opposite side of the 
swamp. It was the favorite signal of the Mo- 
hawks and the Delawares knew only too well 
what it meant. They suddenly realized why the 
Mohawks had stopped at the edge of the swamp. 

“It is bad,” Running Fox said, soberly. 
“The Mohawks have circled around us. Pretty 
soon they will close in. Then we must watch 
out.” 

It was evident that the crafty Mohawks had 
separated and surrounded the swamp. There 
seemed little doubt that they would eventually 
211 


Spotted Deer 


advance from all sides and attempt to drive 
their enemies from cover. It was a favorite 
and successful method of securing game, and 
the Delawares realized that it would be hard to 
escape from the trap. They listened anxiously 
to learn if their fears were true. It was not 
long before they were convinced. The solemn 
warning of the great-horned owl sounded from 
the two remaining sides of the swamp. The 
circle was completed. The Mohawks were ready 
to advance. 

“Lie close, perhaps they will not find us,” 
said Eunning Fox. 

It was a long time before they heard any- 
thing to rouse their suspicions. Then they 
heard soft, guarded signals passing through the 
night, and they knew that the Mohawks had en- 
tered the swamp. They strained their ears to 
detect the stealthy approach of their foes. 
Darkness had settled down, and they realized 
that it would be impossible for the Mohawks to 
find them unless they blundered directly upon 
their shelter. 

“If they come upon us we must fight them 
back, and try to get away,” said Eunning Fox. 

A few moments afterward they heard a sharp 
crackling of brush close by. They smiled grimly 
as they realized that one of the scouts had stum- 
bled into a tangle of dead tree tops. He soon 
212 


Surrounded 


extricated himself, and then they heard nothing 
more of him. They knew, however, that at any 
moment he might discover their hiding place. 
The thought kept them alert. Then, as he failed 
to find them, they took hope. 

“He has passed — it is good,” whispered 
Dancing Owl. 

“Sh!” cautioned Running Fox. 

He feared that the cunning Mohawk might be 
listening within bow-length of them. Then they 
heard the call of the horned owl from the bor- 
der of the swamp. In a few moments it was 
answered by one of the scouts. The Delawares 
felt sure that the main company of their foes 
was still lurking along the edge of the swamp. 
The thought alarmed them. They believed that 
the Mohawks planned to hold them in their 
hiding place until the night passed. The pos- 
sibility made escape seem hopeless. Convinced 
that daylight would make it easy for the Mo- 
hawks to find them, they feared that they would 
soon be overcome and annihilated. The idea 
startled them. Having survived the perils of 
their expedition against the Shawnees, they 
were overwhelmed by the sudden disaster which 
had overtaken them almost within sight of their 
village. In the meantime the Mohawks had be- 
come quiet, and it was evident that they had 
213 


Spotted Deer 


abandoned the search and were waiting for the 
darkness to pass. 

“It is bad,” said Crooked Foot. “When it 
gets light, they will come in here and kill us.” 

“We must fight them off,” declared Yellow 
Wolf. 

“Perhaps we can get away before the light 
comes,” proposed Dancing Owl. 

“No, it is useless to try to get past them,” 
Running Fox told him. “There are many Mo- 
hawks around this place. They are watching 
sharp. If we try to go out, they will kill us.” 

Then for a long time they continued silent. 
Each was trying to think of a way out of the 
predicament. They suddenly realized that they 
had rushed recklessly into a trap from which 
there seemed to be no way of escape. Regrets, 
however, were futile. They knew it was folly 
to waste time blaming themselves. 

“My brothers, we have done a big thing, we 
must not die,” Yellow Wolf told them. “We 
must find a way out of this thing.” 

“It will be hard to get away,” said Crooked 
Foot. 

“There is only one thing to do,” Running 
Fox declared, suddenly. “We must hold out 
until our people come to help us . 9 9 

“How will they know about it?” Crooked 
Foot asked, in surprise. 

214 


Surrounded 


“I will try to go to them,” Running Fox said, 
quietly. 

“No, no, you must not do that,” Spotted Deer 
said, anxiously. “You have risked your life 
to help me. You must not risk your life again. 
If you try to do this thing, the Mohawks may 
catch you. If they see who you are, terrible 
things will happen to you. Come, Running Fox, 
we will all try to get away. Then if the Mo- 
hawks catch us, we will die together . 9 9 

“Yes, my brother, it is the best way to do,” 
declared Crooked Foot. “Perhaps we will get 
by them.” 

“No, my friends, I will not listen to your 
words,” Running Fox declared, firmly. “I be- 
lieve I can do this thing. I am the leader. I 
must try to get you out of this.” 

“Well, Running Fox, if you are going to do 
this thing I will go with you,” Spotted Deer 
told him. 

“No, you cannot do that,” said Running Fox. 
“You must stay here and fight back the Mo- 
hawks until I bring our people to help you. 
Now, my friends, listen sharp to my words. 
I am going to try to get past the Mohawks. 
Perhaps it will take me a long time. If the 
Mohawks catch me, I will make a great shout. 
If you do not hear it before it gets light, you 
will know that I got away. Then I will bring 
215 


Spotted Deer 


a big war party. Yon must keep strong. Keep 
fighting back the Mohawks until onr people 
come. Now keep these words. I will not make 
any signals. If yon hear any, yon will know that 
I did not make them. Now I am going.” 

“My brother, I feel bad about this thing,” 
Spotted Deer said, as he grasped the hand of 
his friend. “If my legs were fast I would not 
hold back. I will make a big fight. ’ ’ 

“I will come back,” Running Fox said, 
bravely. 

Then he left them and vanished into the night 
as silently as a shadow. He turned toward the 
eastern side of the swamp, as the nearest course 
to the Delaware camp lay in that direction. 
Fully alive to the peril which threatened him, 
he moved through the darkness with the alert, 
nervous caution of Achtu, the deer. He stopped 
many times to listen for his foes. As he 
neared the edge of the swamp, he turned his 
face toward the sky and called upon Getanitto- 
wit to guide him safely past the watchful Mo- 
hawks. Then he heard them somewhere ahead 
of him. For an instant only he caught the mur- 
mur of their voices. It was sufficient to warn 
him of his peril. He turned sharply from his 
course and crept away with slow, cautious steps. 
He went several arrow-flights before he again 
ventured to approach the edge of the swamp. 

216 


Surrounded 


Once more, however, he heard sounds which 
drove him back. 

“It is bad,” he murmured. “The Mohawks 
are everywhere.” 

He turned toward the south. Several arrow- 
flights brought him to the border of the swamp. 
He stopped to listen. All was silent. The way 
seemed clear. He hurried forward. A twig 
snapped sharply beneath his feet. Some one 
hailed him. He gave several loud snorts to imi- 
tate a frightened buck, and bounded noisily 
through the brush. The Mohawk laughed softly. 
The trick had deceived him. His suspicions 
were allayed. 

Having passed safely by the Mohawks, Run- 
ning Fox sped through the night with a light 
heart. At dawn he climbed to the summit of a 
high ridge that rose from the west side of the 
river. Far away to the southward he saw the 
smoke from the Delaware camp. For some 
moments he watched it with flashing eyes. Then 
he raced madly down the ridge. He reached the 
river a considerable distance below the spot 
where he had left the canoe of Spotted Deer. 
He wondered if it would be safe to go up the 
river in search of it. If the Mohawks had come 
down the river in canoes, he believed they had 
left them somewhere near the spot where the 
Shawnees had kindled the fire. Perhaps scouts 
217 


Spotted Deer 


had been left behind to watch. The possibility 
made him hesitate. He knew, however, that the 
canoe offered him the quickest way to reach his 
people. 

“I will go,” he said. 

He hurried along at the edge of the timber. 
It seemed a great distance to the spot where 
he had found the trail of the Shawnees. When 
he finally came in sight of the charred logs on 
the shore, he stopped and looked sharply for 
signs of his foes. There was no evidence of 
them. He circled cautiously through the woods, 
and approached the place where he had con- 
cealed the canoe. It had disappeared. He 
stared in astonishment. Who had found it? 
He felt quite certain that it had been taken 
away by the Mohawks. The thought awakened 
his suspicions. He searched through the bushes 
in the hope of finding their canoes. His efforts 
were futile. There were no fresh tracks to in- 
dicate that the Mohawk war party had visited 
the spot. 

“It is mysterious,” he said. 

Running Fox suddenly realized that he was 
wasting time. The thought roused him. Each 
moment was precious. The slightest delay 
might prove fatal to his friends. He looked 
across the river. It was wide, and deep and 
218 


Surrounded 


swift. For an instant only he hesitated. Then 
he pushed his how into its wolf-skin case, and 
waded boldly into the water. It was bitterly 
cold, and the shallow pools along the shore were 
crusted with ice. Unmindful of the shock, Run- 
ning Fox threw himself forward and began to 
swim. 

A bow-shot from the shore he caught the full 
force of the current and was borne rapidly down 
the river. Then as he struggled fiercely to free 
himself, the chill of the water began to cramp 
his muscles. For an instant his tired limbs re- 
fused to work. Weighted down by his buck- 
skin shirt and breeches, he sank beneath the 
surface. He fought his way above water, and 
kicked the cramp from his legs. His strength, 
however, was rapidly leaving him. The shore 
seemed very far away. The channel was wider 
than he had suspected. He appeared unable to 
escape from the fierce grip of the current. The 
intense cold was penetrating to his heart. His 
fingers contracted with cramp. His legs began 
to drag. His strokes grew steadily weaker. 
He was losing ground. For an instant he lost 
hope. 

i ‘The fierce Water Monsters will get me!” he 
cried in dismay. 

Then he suddenly thought of his friends. He 
219 


Spotted Deer 


had pledged himself to save them. They had 
placed their confidence in him. Getanittowit 
had listened to his appeal and aided him to es- 
cape from the swamp. The way had been made 
clear for him to reach his people. Now he was 
throwing away his life, and sacrificing his 
friends to the Mohawks. He rallied at the 
thought. The hot fighting blood rushed to his 
brain. He continued his desperate battle with 
the river. 

“I must live to help my brothers ,’ 9 he said, 
savagely. 

Struggling frantically, he slowly fought his 
way across the channel. Stroke by stroke, he 
dragged himself from the clutches of the cur- 
rent. At last he was free. He had reached a 
long stretch of quiet water. He took courage. 
His fear of the dreaded Water Monsters sud- 
denly left him. He swam more easily. He fixed 
his eyes upon the shore. It was less than a 
bow-shot away. Slowly, steadily, he shortened 
the distance. Each stroke strengthened his con- 
fidence. At last he cautiously lowered his feet. 
They struck the bed of the river. A few mo- 
ments afterward he ceased swimming and began 
to wade. He staggered from the water and 
made his way to the edge of the woods. Then he 
collapsed and crumpled into the brush. It was 
220 


Surrounded 


only a few moments before he recovered and 
struggled to his feet. 

“Am I a woman?” he asked himself, fiercely. 

He turned, and started along the river. For 
a &hort distance he advanced with slow, un- 
steady strides. Then he fought back his weak- 
ness and forced himself into a swifter pace. 
It was not long before he was again traveling 
at his best speed. 

“I must go fast — there is little time,” he kept 
telling himself. 

The Delawares were lighting the evening fires 
when Running Fox finally tottered into the camp 
and fell exhausted before the lodge of his father. 
The Delawares gathered about him in wild 
alarm. They had little doubt that some great 
misfortune had overtaken the scouts who had 
gone to rescue Spotted Deer. They feared that 
all but Running Fox had been captured or 
killed. 

“Carry him into the lodge,” said Black Pan- 
ther. 

When Running Fox opened his eyes he found 
himself between bear robes, lying beside the fire 
in his father’s lodge. Black Panther and Sky 
Dog, the Medicine Man, sat near him. For a 
moment he looked at them in bewilderment. 
Then he recalled what had happened. He threw 
off the robes and sat up excitedly. . 

221 


Spotted Deer 

* ‘ Come, my father, call the warriors !” he 
cried. 

“ What has happened ?” Black Panther asked, 
calmly. 

“The Mohawks have caught our brothers,’ ’ 
he told them. “Our brothers are hiding in a 
big swamp. The Mohawks are all around them. 
Pretty soon they will rush in and kill them. 
Spotted Deer is there. We took him away from 
the Shawnees. Come, call our people. Give me 
some meat. I must take you back there to help 
our brothers.” 

Then, while Running Fox drank great bowls 
of steaming broth, Black Panther sent a crier 
through the camp to summon the warriors. A 
great company gathered before the council 
lodge. Running Fox rushed wildly from his 
father’s lodge to address them. 

“My brothers, there is no time to talk,” he 
cried. “You know what has happened. Come, 
push your canoes into the water. I will lead 
you to our brothers.” 

“This will be a big tight,” cried Black Pan- 
ther, the famous war chief. “If the Mohawks 
kill our brothers, we will go to the Mohawk vil- 
lage and kill many people. I am your chief. 
I will lead you.” 

His words tilled the warriors with enthusi- 
222 


Surrounded 


asm. They began to dance and sing their war 
songs. Then they hurried to the river. A few 
moments later a fleet of canoes moved swiftly 
away into the twilight. A great war party of 
Delawares had gone to the aid of their tribes- 
men. 


CHAPTER XX 


A TIMELY RESCUE 


HE departure of Running Fox filled his 



companions with dismal premonitions of 


disaster. They had grave doubts that he 
would be able to pass the alert guards along the 
edge of the swamp, and they feared that he 
would either be killed or captured by his foes. 
They listened anxiously, fearing that at any mo- 
ment a piercing shout would warn them that 
their comrade had gone to his death. Then, as 
the stillness continued, they began to feel more 
confident. It was a long time, however, before 
they dared to give expression to their hopes. 

“I believe Running Fox got away,” Dancing 
Owl said, finally. 

‘ ‘ Perhaps it will take him a long time to get 
out of this place,” Spotted Deer reminded him. 

“Well, we have not heard any sounds,” 
Crooked Foot declared, hopefully. “Nothing 
bad has happened to him.” 

When the long night finally passed, they felt 
confident that Running Fox had escaped. The 


224 


A Timely Rescue 


thought thrilled them. They knew that if they 
could stand off the Mohawks, a strong force of 
Delawares would eventually come to their res- 
cue. 

“ We must be strong, ” said Spotted Deer. “I 
believe Running Fox will bring our people / 9 

At daylight they heard the owl-calls around 
the edge of the swamp. They were repeated 
many times until the woods rang with the weird 
chorus. The Mohawks were exchanging signals. 
The Delawares felt certain that their foes were 
getting ready to close in. 

“Now we must lie close,” said Spotted Deer. 

They crouched far down into the intricate 
barricade of tree trunks in the hope of escap- 
ing the sharp eyes of the Mohawk scouts. They 
had little hope that those shrewd foes would 
fail to notice such a promising hiding place. 
The great chorus of owl-calls had ceased, but 
there were other signals rising in various parts 
of the swamp, and the Delawares knew that the 
search had begun. 

“I saw some one pass over there between 
those trees,” Dancing Owl whispered, excitedly. 

“Keep watching,” said Spotted Deer. 

In a few moments the scout again showed 
himself between the trees. He was moving to- 
ward their hiding place. Then he suddenly 
discovered the confused jumble of fallen trees. 
225 


Spotted Deer 


He immediately disappeared behind the trunk 
of a great spruce. 

4 ‘That scout is cautious,” whispered Turning 
Eagle. “I was getting ready to kill him.” 

“Save your arrows,” Spotted Deer cautioned 
him. 4 4 We must keep them until the Mohawks 
rush up to us.” 

They knew that the Mohawk was watching 
from behind the tree. The thought kept them 
motionless. They felt quite certain that he 
would not pass on without examining the cover. 
Then they heard him signaling. Their hopes 
fled. They knew he had become suspicious. 

4 4 He is calling his friends,” whispered Yel- 
low W olf . 4 4 There is no hope. They will surely 
find us.” 

4 4 Pretty soon we will have to fight,” declared 
Crooked Foot. 

As the signal had been answered, the Dela- 
wares watched anxiously on all sides for the 
appearance of other scouts. It was not long 
before they saw another Mohawk darting 
swiftly between the trees. He had come from 
a different direction. As he discovered the 
hiding place he, too, stopped and took shelter. 
Then a third Mohawk came from behind them. 
He approached well within bow-range and 
crouched to peer into the cover. 

226 


A Timely Rescue 

“That warrior will find us,” Yellow Wolf 
said, fearfully. 

An instant later his fears were confirmed. 
The scout straightened and raised a piercing 
yell that reverberated threateningly through 
the swamp. Dancing Owl prepared to shoot his 
arrow at him, but he sprang behind a tree. 

“Well, my brothers, the Mohawks have found 
us,” said Spotted Deer. “Now we must fight. 
We are in a good place. If you save your ar- 
rows until our enemies come close, it will be 
hard for them to reach us. I believe we can 
hold them off a long time. Keep close behind 
these trees. We must keep alive until our broth- 
ers come.” 

Having found their foes, the Mohawks im- 
mediately surrounded their hiding place. They 
were within easy bow-range and some exposed 
themselves with great boldness, but the Dela- 
wares withheld their arrows. They believed 
that their crafty foes were tempting them to 
waste their supply. 

“Wait,” cautioned Spotted Deer. 

The Mohawks seemed in no haste to make an 
attack. They saw that their enemies were in a 
strong position, and they realized that it might 
be difficult and costly to dislodge them. Bitter 
experience had taught them that the Delawares 
were crafty and fearless fighters who would 
227 


Spotted Deer 


compel them to pay dearly for victory. They 
believed it would be folly to rush recklessly into 
a fight before they had carefully considered 
plans for overcoming them. Leaving scouts to 
watch, the main company of Mohawks withdrew 
to hold a council. They stole away so stealthily, 
however, that the Delawares did not learn that 
they had gone. 

“They are afraid of us,” said Turning Eagle. 
“I do not believe they are going to rush upon 
us.” 

“They are very sly and very brave,” Spotted 
Deer cautioned him. “I believe they are get- 
ting ready to do something. We must watch 
sharp.” 

They waited in great anxiety to learn what 
their foes intended to do. The delay encour- 
aged them. They felt sure that Running Fox 
was speeding toward the Delaware camp, and 
the thought made them strong. Once advised 
of their predicament, they knew that their peo- 
ple would make desperate efforts to arrive at 
the swamp in time to save them. The longer 
the Mohawks postponed the attack, therefore, 
the stronger became the hopes of the Dela- 
wares. 

“Perhaps they will hold off until it gets dark 
again, ’ ’ suggested Dancing Owl. 

“No, I do not believe it,” said Spotted Deer. 

228 


A Timely Rescue 


“They are talking about how to do this thing.’ ’ 

Soon afterward the Mohawks returned within 
bow-range. They commenced to taunt and 
threaten and sing their war songs. Then they 
began to move closer. The heavy stand of tim- 
ber offered them splendid shelter. They darted 
quickly from tree to tree, and the Delawares 
caught only swift, momentary glimpses of them. 
It was a crafty, cautious method of attack which 
enabled the Mohawks to advance upon their 
foes with little peril to themselves. 

“They are getting close, we must stop them, ,, 
Crooked Foot said, anxiously. 

“Wait,” cautioned Spotted Deer. “If you 
shoot your arrows you will hit the trees. Wait 
until the Mohawks rush in.” 

He had barely finished speaking when an ar- 
row imbedded itself in the tree trunk behind 
which he crouched. He had been seen by one 
of the Mohawks. The thought made him more 
cautious. Aware that the Mohawks were watch- 
ing for a chance to kill them from ambush, the 
Delawares realized that it might be fatal to ex- 
pose themselves. 

“Keep quiet,” Spotted Deer warned them. 
“The Mohawks are watching sharp.” 

Then, for some time, neither Delawares nor 
Mohawks showed themselves. The former 
crouched low in their shelter, waiting for their 
229 


Spotted Deer 


enemies to begin the attack. The Mohawks 
stood behind trees with their arrows ready and 
their eyes fixed hopefully on the tangle of tree 
trunks which sheltered their foes. The Dela- 
wares were well pleased at the caution displayed 
by the Mohawks. They knew that each mo- 
ment of delay increased their chances of rescue. 
Several times they saw the faces of their foes 
peering cautiously around the trees, but the 
mark was too small to warrant risking their 
arrows. Then some one addressed them in the 
Delaware dialect. 

“Hi, now we know who you are,” he said. 
“You are Delawares. It is good. We took you 
for our enemies, the Shawnees. That is why 
we chased you into this place. Do not be afraid. 
Come out, Delawares. We will not harm you. 
Come out and talk with us. Perhaps you can 
tell us about the boastful Shawnees. Our hearts 
are good toward you. That is why we held 
back our arrows when we found out who you 
are.” 

For a moment Spotted Deer was tempted to 
reply to the treacherous words of the Mohawk. 
Then he suddenly realized that the warrior 
might recognize his voice. Having been a pris- 
oner in their camp, he believed it would be fool- 
ish to risk the chance of being recognized. In 
230 


A Timely Rescue 


the meantime the Mohawk appeared to be grow- 
ing impatient. 

“Well, Delawares, how do you feel about it?” 
he inquired. 

Spotted Deer nodded toward Yellow Wolf. 
The latter addressed the Mohawk. 

“Mohawk, we heard your words,” he said. 
“We are talking about them. You must give us 
time to decide what to do. There are only a few 
of us. I see that there are many of you. We 
must be cautious. We know that you are very 
fierce. Perhaps if we come out you will take 
away our arrows. Wait there a little while. 
Then we will tell you what we have decided to 
do.” 

The Mohawk instantly detected the sarcasm 
which had been skillfully woven into the reply. 
It filled him with rage, but he realized that it 
would be foolish to betray himself to his foes. 
He waited until he had choked back the fierce 
words that rose to his lips, and then he pre- 
pared another trap for the Delawares. 

“I see that you are cautious,” he said, calmly. 
“Well, we will not wait for you. We must go 
to fight the boastful Shawnees. Come out when 
you are ready. The way is clear. Listen, I am 
going to tell my friends to go away. You must 
not try to harm us. If you do, perhaps we will 
have to kill you.” . 


231 


Spotted Deer 


“Go, Mohawk, we will save our arrows,’ ’ 
laughed Yellow Wolf. 

They heard the Mohawk talking loudly to his 
companions. A few moments afterward they 
saw many of the Mohawks retreating cautiously 
into the shadows. They knew at once that it was 
a wily trick to lure them into the open, and they 
felt sure that a strong force of scouts was still 
lurking within bow-shot. They gave no hint of 
their suspicions, however, as they were over- 
joyed at the possibility of further delay by the 
Mohawks. Then they heard shouts and signals 
from the border of the swamp. They chuckled 
gleefully as they realized the trouble the Mo- 
hawks were taking to deceive them. 

“Now watch sharp, I am going to make them 
show themselves,” said Spotted Deer. 

He seized a number of brittle twigs and began 
to break them, while he stamped upon others 
with his feet. The noise made it appear as if 
the Delawares were leaving the shelter. De- 
ceived by the trick, a number of alert Mohawk 
scouts peeped anxiously from behind their trees. 
The Delawares laughed softly as they discov- 
ered them. Aware that they had been tricked, 
the enraged Mohawks sent a harmless volley of 
arrows into the barricade. 

“Hi, hi, that made them mad,” laughed 
Crooked Foot, 


232 


A Timely Rescue 


For a long time afterward they saw nothing 
further of their foes. They had little doubt that 
the scouts still kept watch behind the trees, but 
they were anxious to know what had become of 
the tricky Mohawk leader and the rest of the 
war party. More than half of the day had 
passed, and the Delawares believed there was 
slight danger of attack before night. Their 
minds turned to Running Fox and their people. 
They believed that he had reached the camp, and 
that a great w T ar party of Delawares was al- 
ready speeding to their rescue. 

“If the Mohawks wait a little longer, we will 
fool them,” said Dancing Owl. 

“Perhaps they will creep up to us when it 
gets dark,” Spotted Deer told him. 

“Perhaps our people will come by that time,” 
suggested Turning Eagle. 

“No, they cannot get here so quick,” declared 
Yellow Owl. “I have been thinking about it. 
If Running Fox got to the camp I believe they 
will come soon after the next sun appears. That 
is a long time to wait. I believe the Mohawks 
will try to do some big things before the night 
goes away.” 

At that moment they suddenly learned what 
had become of the crafty Mohawk leader and 
the warriors who had followed him to the edge 
of the swamp. A ringing shout rose behind 
233 


Spotted Deer 


them. They turned to find a company of Mo- 
hawks rushing upon them. At the same time 
the warriors who had been concealed behind the 
trees ran in from the opposite direction. At- 
tacked from both sides, the Delawares were mo- 
mentarily bewildered. Their foes were at the 
barricade before they recovered from their sur- 
prise. 

‘ 6 Come, Delawares, fight for your lives !” 
cried Spotted Deer. 

The Mohawks had abandoned their caution 
and were exposing themselves with unusual 
recklessness. Unable to reach their foes with 
arrows, they were attempting to force their 
way into the tangle of logs to beat down the 
Delawares with their war clubs. The fight soon 
became a fierce hand-to-hand struggle. The 
Delawares, however, had the advantage. Pro- 
tected by the dense cover, they fought with a 
desperate ferocity that astonished their foes. 
Spotted Deer drove his arrow through a Mo- 
hawk who had clambered over the barricade 
and was about to crush his skull with his war 
club. Yellow Wolf seized another warrior and 
threw him back into the arms of his comrades. 
Crooked Foot and Turning Eagle fought side 
by side and drove back the Mohawks with a 
deadly volley of arrows. Dancing Owl struck 
down a warrior who was about to kill Yellow’ 
234 


A Timely Rescue 


Wolf. Then the Mohawks gave way and rushed 
to cover. The attack ended as suddenly as it 
began. 

“Hi, that was a good fight/ ’ Yellow Wolf 
laughed, excitedly, as he examined a gash on 
his arm. 

“We showed the Mohawks how to fight / 9 
Spotted Deer said, grimly. 

Except for the slight wound which Yellow 
Wolf received, the Delawares escaped un- 
harmed. As the Mohawks outnumbered them 
six or eight to one, they were greatly elated at 
their success. They had little fear that the at- 
tack would be renewed before dark. The Mo- 
hawks had carried off their disabled comrades, 
and the Delawares were unable to learn what 
the effort had cost them. They had withdrawn 
beyond arrow-range and were shouting and 
singing war songs. 

“They sound very fierce, but we made them 
run,” Dancing Owl said, boastfully. 

“They will come back when it gets dark,” 
Yellow Wolf warned him. 

The thought made them serious. They knew 
that the night would give the Mohawks a great 
advantage. It would enable them to creep close 
up to the shelter, and the Delawares feared that 
it would be impossible to discover them. They 
realized, therefore, that although they had suc- 
235 


Spotted Deer 


cessfully resisted the first savage attack of their 
foes they were still in great danger. They be- 
lieved that the Mohawks would make a still 
more determined effort under cover of the dark- 
ness. 

“ Perhaps we can fool them,” said Turning 
Eagle. “ When it gets dark we will creep away 
from here. Then perhaps we can get out of this 
swamp when the Mohawks rush to this place to 
fight us.” 

“No, my brother,” Spotted Deer told him. 
“The Mohawks have found us. They are very 
sharp. They will keep us here. I believe they 
are watching close by. When it gets dark, they 
will come closer. If we leave this place, I be- 
lieve we will be wiped out.” 

“It is true,” said Yellow Wolf. “We must 
stay where we are . 9 9 

In the meantime the Mohawks had become si- 
lent. The Delawares instantly became alert. 
They wondered if their foes were again advanc- 
ing noiselessly through the timber. The sun 
has disappeared, and the twilight shadows were 
creeping into the swamp. The Delawares kept 
sharp watch on the spaces between the trees. 
The Mohawks, however, failed to show them- 
selves. 

“What do you make of it?” Crooked Foot 
asked Spotted Deer. 


236 


A Timely Rescue 

* * I believe they are waiting until it gets dark, ’ ’ 
said Spotted Deer. 

They watched uneasily as the light slowly 
faded from the swamp. The approach of dark- 
ness filled them with dread. The night threat- 
ened them with disaster. They wondered if they 
would live to see the dawn. Vague, alarming 
doubts entered their minds. They became dis- 
couraged and depressed. Then they roused 
themselves with the thought that their people 
were rushing to their assistance. It gave them 
hope, and strengthened their courage. They be- 
lieved that the Delawares were already well on 
their way toward the swamp. They told them- 
selves that they must hold out until they ar- 
rived. Their hearts beat wildly at the possibil- 
ity of another sudden victory over the Mohawks. 

i ‘Our people will come,” Spotted Deer said, 
confidently. ‘ ‘ Pretty soon we will see the Mo- 
hawks running like rabbits.” 

The swamp was almost dark. It was difficult 
to see between the trees. The shadows were 
lengthening. Night wasi closing its long black 
fingers about the forest. All was hushed. The 
Delawares believed that the hour of peril was 
at hand. They peered fearfully from their 
cover, and listened closely for the approach of 
their foes. 

“What has become of them?” Crooked Foot 

237 


Spotted Deer 

asked, suspiciously, when half of the night had 
passed. 

“I do not know what to make of it,” Spotted 
Deer told him. 

“Perhaps they have gone away,” said Danc- 
ing Owl. 

“No,” declared Yellow Wolf. “Keep watch- 
ing. They will come.” 

The night was far gone when they finally 
heard sounds which convinced them that the 
Mohawks were close at hand. A soft, cautious 
signal sounded through the darkness. Some mo- 
ments afterward a twig cracked. The Dela- 
wares prepared to defend themselves. They 
feared that their foes were creeping silently 
toward the barricade. 

“Get ready, they are close by,” Yellow Wolf 
cautioned. 

“They are here!” shouted Turning Eagle, as 
he shot his arrow. 

An instant afterward the piercing war cry 
rang in their ears, and the Mohawks charged 
recklessly upon the shelter. They scrambled 
wildly into the mass of fallen timber and at- 
tempted to reach the Delawares. However, as 
only a few at a time could force their way into 
the dense tangle, the Delawares drove them 
back with a deadly volley of arrows. Then they 
made another desperate attack, and several war- 
238 


A Timely Rescue 


riors actually got within reach of the Delawares. 
The latter attacked them with great courage, 
and soon found themselves fighting at close 
quarters in the dark. Encouraged by the suc- 
cess of their comrades, the rest of the Mohawks 
were fighting their way into the tangle. 

“Die like men!” shouted Spotted Deer, as he 
hurled himself upon one of his foes. 

At that instant a terrified yell rang through 
the night. It came from the edge of the swamp. 
It had barely died away before the thrilling 
Delaware war cry rose from a hundred throats. 
The Mohawks turned in dismay. The Delawares 
raised a great shout that filled the hearts of 
Black Panther and his warriors with joy. 

i ‘ Our brothers are alive ! ’ ’ cried the great war 
chief. “Come, Delawares, wipe away the boast- 
ful Mohawks.’ ’ 

Aware that they had been trapped, the demor- 
alized Mohawks scrambled from the tangle and 
fled into the night. They had not gone an ar- 
row-flight before they encountered the Dela- 
wares. The latter had completely surrounded 
the scene of battle. 

“Wait, Mohawks, our people have come to 
meet you!” laughed Yellow Wolf. “Do not be 
afraid. Wait. We are coming out to talk with 
you. Wait, Mohawks, perhaps our people will 
tell you about the Shawnees.” 

239 


Spotted Deer 


The Mohawks had taken shelter behind trees, 
hoping that the Delawares might rush by them. 
The Delawares, however, hunted them out with 
the calm, thorough persistence of wolves. They 
took a terrible vengeance upon the tierce foes 
who had attempted to annihilate their tribes- 
men. Few of the Mohawks escaped. Those that 
got away fled wildly toward the north to carry 
the news of their disaster to their people. 

“My brothers, you are alive — it is enough,’ ’ 
cried Running Fox, as he rushed to meet his 
friends. 

“Running Fox, you have given us our lives,” 
cried Crooked Foot. “You are a great war 
leader.” 

“My brother, you took me away from the 
Shawnees,” Spotted Deer said, with emotion. 
“It was a great thing to do. Now you have 
done another great thing. Come, I will go and 
tell Black Panther and our people about it.” 

(i) 


THE EOT) 





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f€7S 
































A 


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1M* 


library of congress 



00024 ^ 0^531 








